ISLAMABAD: Lawyers across the federal capital declared a strike and boycott of court proceedings in protest against the illegal arrest rather abduction of advocates Imaan Zainab Mazari‑Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha.
The strike was announced by the Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) and the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA), who described the arrests as illegal and unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights.
Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Wajid Gilani said that the duo were detained by Islamabad police near the Serena underpass while en route from the Islamabad High Court Bar premises to the district and sessions court.
Lawyers accompanying them said police stopped their vehicle, broke windows, and took both into custody, despite earlier assurances from authorities that they would be allowed safe passage.
The bar associations said they are boycotting all court work to protest what they described as unfair treatment and denial of the couple’s right to defend themselves. The strike call followed an emergency meeting of the legal fraternity condemning the arrests as an affront to the rule of law.
The case against the couple relates to controversial social media posts and earlier court proceedings, including trial and arrest warrants issued under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Their legal team and supporters have repeatedly demanded fair trial rights and the opportunity to present their defence before a competent court.
The situation has drawn significant attention within Pakistan’s legal community, with human rights groups also expressing concern over the treatment of lawyers and activists in the case.
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