Former minister says prison authorities refused to meet despite law, cites national and international rights
Former Federal Minister Shireen Mazari addresses a press conference in Islamabad. Her daughter Imaan Mazari can be seen on the back. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
Former federal minister Shireen Mazari on Tuesday filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking her legal right to meet her daughter, Iman Mazari, and son-in-law, Hadi Ali Chatha, who are detained in Adiala jail.
Iman Mazari and Chatha were convicted on January 24 in Islamabad in a case linked to alleged posts and reposts on X that investigators called “anti-state”. The case was registered in August 2025 by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, with allegations that the content was intended to undermine government institutions and align with proscribed organizations or individuals.
The verdicts were widely condemned by members of the legal community, politicians and civil society.
Mazari told the court that she had completed the biometric process required for the petition and had gone to Adiala prison a day earlier to meet her family. “Despite it being the scheduled day, we were not allowed to meet them,” she said.
She said the main relief sought in the petition was the enforcement of her right to meet them under the prison laws. “I am a mother. I want to meet my daughter and my son-in-law, but you are preventing me,” she said in court.
Read: Amnesty issues an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz for Imaan, Hadi’s release
Mazari said the petition refers to both domestic law and Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights conventions. “Article 1 defines mental and physical abuse, which is violated,” she said.
“Not only international laws, but even our own laws are being flouted,” she added.
She said Pakistan’s status under international law had traditionally been strong. “When we approach India regarding Indus Water violations, we insist on compliance. We have consistently implemented our international agreements from the beginning,” she said.
Questioning the authorities’ current approach, she asked: “Pakistan’s position has remained strong. So why is it now being undermined?”
Earlier, Mazari appeared in court in connection with the GHQ case, marking her appearance. “I have marked my attendance and am now going to Adiala prison,” she told the media.
She added that although her daughter and son-in-law were in custody, she was not allowed to meet them. “If I can’t meet my own daughter, how will I meet Imran Khan?” she asked.
