Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and former lawmaker Ali Wazir were sent to a 3-day police remand on Monday in a sedition case by an anti-terrorism court.
Imaan Mazari, daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, and Ali Wazir were apprehended by Islamabad police early morning of Sunday, merely two days after they participated in a protest organized by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), advocates for the rights of ethnic Pashtuns.
Imaan took the podium at an Islamabad rally of the PTM, a group of Pashtu-speaking activists highly critical of the Pakistan Army, and voiced her criticism against the potent military establishment.
Authorities summoned both individuals as part of an ongoing inquiry, alleging their involvement in unlawful assembly, resistance, and “interference in state affairs.”
As Mazari and Wazir were presented before the Islamabad Anti-terrorism Court, the judge ordered the authorities to produce the accused on August 24 again.
Previously, the duo appeared before Judicial Magistrate Ihtasham Alam Khan, who, in the detailed court order, noted the investigating officer’s request for a 10-day physical remand in connection with the sedition case, registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997.
However, the judge granted a one-day remand, mandating the police to present both individuals before the anti-terrorism court on Monday.
Consequently, police presented Imaan Mazari and Ali Wazir before ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain earlier in the day.
Imaan’s legal representatives argued that the police had already been granted a one-day remand for their client, during which no substantive evidence was found against her.
Wazir insisted that “nothing wrong” was stated during the public meeting.
Upon hearing the arguments, the court reserved its judgment and subsequently approved a 3-day physical remand of both Imaan and Wazir in police custody.
The FIR lodged against Imaan and Wazir indicated their arrest for staging a sit-in, resisting authority, and interference in state affairs.
The FIR noted the participation of 700 – 800 individuals in the sit-in, with some armed with sticks and a few even brandishing weapons. These participants attempted to challenge the authorities and march toward the capital city.
The report detailed the blockage of the main highway, GT Road, by protestors who then conducted a rally in its midst.
Security personnel’s attempts to disperse the gathering resulted in clashes, including an attack on a government vehicle. Furthermore, protestors managed to forcibly seize an anti-riot kit from a law enforcement officer.
Condemning Imaan’s arrest, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan demanded her immediate and unconditional release, labelling the action of Islamabad Police as “unacceptable.”
Recent times have witnessed Pakistani authorities cracking down on dissent. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also currently serves a 3-year prison sentence after his conviction in a corruption case by a court earlier this month.”
