The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted a three-day physical remand of human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and former lawmaker Ali Wazir in a sedition case. The arrests were made following the public meeting organized by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), where both Imaan and Wazir addressed the rally and criticized the military establishment over enforced disappearances. Two first information reports (FIR) have been registered against the two at Islamabad’s Tarnol police station and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station. The ATC judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain ordered the police to present the two before the court.
Imaan’s legal team argued that the police had not found any evidence against their client and that the allegations were baseless. The lawyer further pointed out that Imaan had been taken into custody while in her sleeping suit and criticized the authorities for their treatment. However, the prosecutor claimed that the rally included anti-state speeches and argued for a 10-day physical remand.
During the hearing, Wazir stated that the gathering was organized despite the caretaker government’s objections, with the aim of voicing their concerns. After hearing the arguments, the court granted a three-day physical remand of Imaan and Wazir.
Two FIRs have been registered against the two individuals. The first FIR accuses them of rioting, unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, assault, and other charges. The second FIR includes charges of sedition, incitement to riot, and terrorism. These FIRs detail the events that occurred during the PTM rally, where the participants allegedly attacked the police, blocked roads, and made speeches against state institutions and their heads.
The arrests have drawn attention from both local and international communities, with many expressing concern for the human rights and freedom of speech of the individuals involved. The case will continue to be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system.