Human Rights Lawyer Arrested in Pakistan

Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali were arrested on October 28 for allegedly interfering with state duties during a high-profile cricket event, an action described by police as compromising public security. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrests, labeling the charges as vague and politically motivated, given Imaan's history of advocacy against enforced disappearances. Activist Mahrang Baloch expressed outrage, asserting that Imaan's legal work has made her a target of state repression. The couple's arrest has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups, highlighting concerns over the increasing harassment of activists in Pakistan. Imaan's mother, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, accused the police of targeting her daughter, emphasizing a pattern of state aggression. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in Pakistan regarding dissent and the treatment of human rights defenders.