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Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chattha move Supreme Court for early hearing of conviction appeals
Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha have approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of their appeals against a 17-year sentence in a controversial social media posts case.
ND
by News Desk
2026-04-30
Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chattha move Supreme Court for early hearing of conviction appeals

Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have filed a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) requesting an early hearing of their appeals against conviction in a controversial social media posts case.

The couple was sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison by a sessions court in January 2026 under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including charges related to cyberterrorism, glorification of offences, and dissemination of false information.

Their appeals are currently pending before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), but their legal team argues that delays in fixing a hearing date have prolonged their incarceration. The petition filed in the Supreme Court seeks urgent intervention so that the appeals can be heard promptly and their sentences reviewed.

The case stems from social media posts that authorities alleged promoted anti-state narratives and aligned with proscribed groups. The defence, however, maintains that the conviction violates due process and fair trial rights, arguing the trial court acted despite pending legal challenges and procedural irregularities.

The convictions have sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups, international organisations, and legal circles, who argue that the case raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the use of cybercrime laws against dissent.
Tagged:

#ImaanMazari #HadiChattha #SupremeCourt #PakistanNews #PECA #FreedomOfExpression #LegalCase #HumanRights #DawnNews
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