Imaan Mazari Jailed 17 Years for 'Anti-State' Posts: Pakistan's Military Critic Silenced?

• Imaan Mazari, a prominent Pakistani human rights lawyer and military critic, was sentenced to 17 years in prison alongside her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, for "anti-state" social media posts.
• Mazari, 32, is known for her legal work defending victims of enforced disappearances, minority rights, and press freedom, often challenging Pakistan's powerful military establishment.
• Her work includes representing ethnic Baloch activists, journalists, and Afghan nationals, and she has publicly criticized the military's political role and alleged constitutional rights erosion.
• Mazari, daughter of former federal human rights minister Shireen Mazari, has faced increasing legal cases, including "cyber terrorism" and "hate speech" charges, and significant online harassment.
• Despite international recognition like the Young Inspiration Award and UN concerns over arbitrary legal use, Pakistan's military publicly singled her out in 2026, warning against "hidden elements".

Why It Matters: Prominent Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari jailed for 17 years over 'anti-state' social media posts.