Imaan Mazari & Hadi Ali Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

ISLAMABAD — October 29, 2026 — An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has sentenced human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chatha, to 10 years of imprisonment in a case involving interference in state affairs and breaking security barriers.

Adiala Jail Verdict and Fines Imposed

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra pronounced the reserved judgment inside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. In addition to the prison terms, the court imposed fines of PKR 50,000 under multiple individual sections against both convicts.

According to the written judicial order, while the cumulative sentence across three distinct legal sections totaled 13 years, the court awarded the benefit of Section 182, fixing the effective prison duration to 10 years.

Case History, Indictment, and Legal Proceedings

The case was registered against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha on October 25, 2024, following an incident involving the removal of traffic barriers placed for security during an international delegation’s visit to Islamabad:

Indictment & Witnesses: The court formally indicted both accused on October 7, with the prosecution presenting a total of 7 witnesses during trial proceedings.
State Counsel Representation: State Counsel Atif Mahmood was appointed by the court to represent the defense and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.

Defense lawyers have announced their intention to challenge the ATC verdict before the Islamabad High Court (IHC).