Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari remanded to police custody for 3 days in terrorism case

Imaan Mazari. File Photo/ARY News

Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari has been placed in the custody of Islamabad police for a three-day physical remand on Tuesday, following her arrest on charges of terrorism a day earlier.

The Islamabad terrorism court (ATC) had granted post-arrest bail to Mazari and former lawmaker Ali Wazir in a sedition case, each on surety bonds of Rs 30,000. However, Mazari was rearrested by the Pakistan police outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi soon after the ATC's decision.

Imaan's arrest pertains to a terrorism case registered at the Bara Kahu police station. On Tuesday, the additional district and sessions judge, Abual Hasnat, granted the physical remand as requested by prosecutor Raja Naveed. Subsequently, the police took custody of Mazari.

Imaan Mazari, daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, and Ali Wazir were initially arrested on August 20 by Islamabad police after participating in a protest rally organized by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM). The PTM is known for its critical stance against the Pakistan Army and has openly criticized the military.

According to the filed First Information Report (FIR), Imaan and Wazir were detained for engaging in a sit-in, resistance, and interfering in state affairs during the rally. The authorities stated that both were wanted for ongoing investigations, citing allegations of unlawful gathering, resistance, and interference in state affairs.

On August 21, the ATC had granted the police a three-day remand of Imaan and Wazir in the sedition case. On August 24, the court denied the prosecution's request for an extension of their physical remand and instead placed them in judicial remand at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

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The FIR detailed that around 700 to 800 individuals participated in the sit-in, with some carrying sticks and even weapons, attempting to defy authorities and march towards the capital. The protesters reportedly blocked the main highway, GT Road, and engaged in confrontations with security personnel.

Imaan's arrest sparked condemnation from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which demanded her immediate and unconditional release, deeming the actions of the Islamabad Police as "unacceptable."

Imaan Mazari, known for her advocacy of rights and independent views, had previously clashed with her mother, Shireen Mazari, during the latter's tenure as minister. The crackdown on dissent by Pakistani authorities has been noted in recent months, and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently serving a three-year jail term following his conviction in a corruption case. (With inputs from PTI)