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Who is Iman Mazari? Being a vocal critic of Asim Munir’s army proved costly; Sentenced to 17 years in Pakistan

Samira Vishwas | January 27, 2026 4:25 AM CST

Who Is Imaan Mazari: A Pakistani court has sentenced prominent human rights lawyer Iman Mazari and her husband to a total of 17 years in prison for social media posts that authorities have described as ‘anti-national’. The case has again drawn attention to concerns about the shrinking scope for dissent, freedom of expression and civil liberties in Pakistan. An Islamabad court on Saturday convicted Iman Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chatta, according to a court order seen by Reuters.

The couple was convicted on three different charges and sentenced to five years, 10 years and two years respectively. The court ordered that the sentences would run concurrently, meaning they would have to be served at the same time. According to court documents, Mazari had spread “highly objectionable” content on social media. Both Mazari and Chatta have denied all allegations, saying the cases are to their criticism of enforced disappearances and alleged human rights violations, claims which have been rejected by the Pakistan Army.

‘It is very difficult to speak the truth in this country’

Speaking after his conviction, Mazari said his imprisonment was part of a larger pattern of repression in the country. “We are not the first people to be illegally imprisoned in this country,” he told AFP news agency. Earlier in the week, he had spoken candidly in court about the challenges of speaking out in Pakistan. “It seems very difficult to speak the truth in this country,” he said. He also acknowledged the risks involved in his work, but said he was prepared to face them. “But we knew that when we started this work, we were ready to face it… We would not back down,” Mazari told AFP.

Who is Iman Mazari?

32 year old Iman Mazari is one of the most well-known human rights lawyers of Pakistan. According to an AFP report, he has made a name for himself by taking on cases that directly challenge state institutions. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, and his legal career has focused on enforced disappearances, minority rights, freedom of the press, and defending people accused under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws.

Mazari has represented ethnic Baloch activists, journalists accused of defamation and Afghan civilians targeted during Pakistan’s crackdown. His work has often brought him into conflict with Pakistan’s security establishment, particularly over allegations of disappearances in Balochistan.

Criticism of the army and increasing cases

Mazari calls herself a defender of civil liberties. She often criticizes the role of the military in politics and the erosion of constitutional rights through hastily enacted laws and increasing state control. As his public recognition has increased, the number of cases filed against him has also increased. These include allegations of “cyber terrorism” and “hate speech”.

family background

Mazari comes from a prominent Pakistani family. She is the daughter of former federal human rights minister Shireen Mazari. His late father was a prominent pediatrician. Her mother told AFP that the family had faced threats because of Mazari’s activism, but said she was proud of her daughter’s work defending vulnerable people. “When so many people are suffering, we hope that those who speak out against human rights violations will also have to bear the brunt of it,” he said.

Persecution and international concern

Mazari has also faced online harassment, including sexist abuse and edited photos. Women in Pakistan often face obstacles in participating in public life. In 2025, she received the Young Inspiration Award from the World Expression Forum for “her extraordinary courage, integrity and influence in the struggle for the rule of law and justice,” according to an AFP report. That same year, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders said the cases against them “reflect the arbitrary use of the legal system to persecute and intimidate”.

Criticism of army in 2026

In January 2026, the Pakistan Army publicly mentioned Mazari during a press conference. Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary warned of “hidden elements”, referring to one of his social media posts. He said, “They work under the guise of democracy and human rights to promote terrorism.”

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