The United Nations Human Rights Office and several international legal organisations have strongly criticised Pakistan’s decision to sentence human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The lawyers were handed lengthy prison terms and heavy fines over alleged anti-state social media posts.
In a statement, the UN Human Rights Office described the sentencing as deeply concerning and urged Pakistan to uphold its international obligations to protect freedom of expression and the independence of the legal profession. The office stressed that criminalising dissent undermines democratic values.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and other global legal bodies condemned the verdict, calling it arbitrary and politically motivated. They demanded the immediate release of the lawyers and annulment of the convictions, warning that such actions erode the rule of law.
Rights groups including Front Line Defenders highlighted that the case reflects a broader pattern of harassment against lawyers and activists critical of state institutions. They noted that PECA provisions are increasingly being used to silence dissenting voices in Pakistan.
Observers pointed out that the sentencing has drawn widespread international concern, with the European Union also criticising the move as a setback to democratic norms. Analysts believe the verdict could strain Pakistan’s diplomatic relations and affect its standing in global human rights forums.
The condemnation underscores growing alarm over the misuse of cybercrime laws in Pakistan, with calls for reforms to ensure that legislation is not weaponised against human rights defenders and members of the legal community.
