IHC Bar president claims use of force during arrest, smashed the windows of our vehicle
Human rights lawyer and social activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo file
Islamabad police on Friday arrested lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, near the underpass outside the Serena Hotel in Islamabad.
Former minister Shireen Mazari wrote X that Imaan and Hadi “have been arrested and put in separate cars and taken away to unknown locations”.
“Fascism at its height. Emaciated men in power must be so pleased with this achievement!” Mazari added.
Imaan @ImaanZHazir and Hadi @AdvHadiali have been arrested and put in separate cars and taken away to unknown places – no fir shown and bar unfortunately could not do anything. Fascism at its peak. Emaciated men in power must be so pleased with this performance!
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) 23 January 2026
Journalists present at the scene claimed that police forcefully seized cell phones from journalists covering the arrest.
Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court Bar President Wajid Gilani accused the police of using excessive force during the operation.
“They assaulted us, broke the windows of our vehicle and then arrested Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatha,” Gilani said, adding that even the bar secretary was subjected to violence.
Read: IHC restores bail, reinstates court of defense for Imaan Mazari, spouse
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday granted two-day protective bail to human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, in a recent case dating back to July 2025, subject to their arrest during that period.
Justice Azam Khan of the IHC directed the couple to approach the appropriate court within two days and ordered them to submit bail of Rs100,000 each.
The relief came after arrest warrants were issued in connection with the fresh FIR, forcing the couple to spend two nights at the Islamabad High Court Bar president’s office amid a heavy police presence outside the premises.
