Pakistan court indicts prominent human rights lawyers over controversial tweets

A Pakistan court formally indicted on Thursday human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and advocate Hadi Ali Chatha on charges linked to controversial tweets, a case that has drawn growing concern from rights groups about online speech restrictions in the country.

Both lawyers pleaded not guilty during a hearing before Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka in Islamabad. The judge called all prosecution witnesses to appear at the next hearing.

The case was brought by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which says the couple posted tweets deemed supportive of banned organizations. Authorities say some of those posts, made between 2021 and 2025, accused the armed forces of failing to curb militancy, fostering terrorism and committing enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Pakistan has long faced security challenges in those regions, and authorities maintain strict controls on speech they consider harmful to national security.

Courtroom tensions

The Thursday hearing became heated when Judge Majoka directed Chatha to resubmit his surety bonds. Chatha refused.

“I will not submit the surety bonds. If you want to jail me for a year, go ahead,” he said. Addressing the judge, he added, “You are not fit to be a judge.”

Mazari also voiced frustration: “You want us arrested; cancel my bail as well.”

Judge Majoka responded: “My principle is simple, if I respect you, I expect the same in return.”

Defense lawyer Qaiser Imam said delays occurred because both lawyers were required to appear in multiple legal cases in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the High Court.

Judge Majoka said the hearing had already been adjourned three times at the defense’s request and postponed the trial until Nov. 5.

Arrest a day earlier

On Wednesday, Chatha — who is also Mazari’s husband — was arrested outside a court in Islamabad after the same judge issued non-bailable arrest warrants against him, saying he failed to submit surety bonds.

The case has spotlighted an ongoing debate inside Pakistan — and among international rights observers — over whether authorities are using cybercrime measures to curb dissent.

Critics say the line between political criticism and “anti-state” activity is increasingly unclear, raising concerns about the boundaries of digital expression in the country.

Mazari and Chatha remain free on bail as proceedings continue.

What's the issue?

Mazari, the daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, is known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistan’s military and advocacy for victims of enforced disappearances.

The accusations against her and Chatha specifically reference militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Rights groups have long warned that Pakistan’s cybercrime laws are being used to stifle dissent, with critics accusing authorities of conflating free expression with anti-state activity.