Human Rights Lawyer and Former Lawmaker Arrested After Break-In: Outrage Erupts
Islamabad, Pakistan – In a shocking turn of events, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and former lawmaker Ali Wazir have been arrested by the Islamabad Capital Police. The arrests took place shortly after Mazari-Hazir posted on social media about unidentified individuals breaking into her home. The police stated that both suspects were wanted for investigation and that all actions would be taken in accordance with the law. However, they did not specify the nature of the case they were investigating the human rights lawyer in.
The events unfolded when Mazari-Hazir took to social media to report the break-in at her residence. She claimed that unknown persons were breaking down her home cameras and banging on her gate. The situation escalated when her mother, former PTI leader Shireen Mazari, posted on social media that her daughter was taken away by policewomen and plainclothes individuals after they broke down their front door. Mazari alleged that her daughter was dragged from the house in her sleeping clothes, without any legal procedure or warrants.
These arrests have sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, including rights groups, journalists, and activists. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly condemned the arrests, stating that the manner in which the police broke into Mazari-Hazir’s home without a warrant is unacceptable. They called for her immediate release and voiced concerns over the growing trend of state-sanctioned violence against individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, to which Mazari-Hazir previously belonged, also condemned the break-in and the consequent arrests. They expressed their concerns over the violation of basic human rights, particularly those of women in Pakistan, and urged the higher judiciary to intervene. The party called for an end to abductions and raids, stressing the need for the rule of law in the country.
Digital rights activist and lawyer Nighat Dad questioned the basis for Mazari-Hazir’s arrest, emphasizing that she had been raising her voice for the voiceless within and outside the courts of law. Dad condemned the intrusion into her house and the forceful manner in which she was taken away. Renowned journalist Asma Shirazi also expressed her condemnation of the arrest and appealed to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take notice of the situation. Academic Nida Kirmani expressed her hopes for Mazari-Hazir’s safety and urged people to raise their voices demanding her immediate release.
The arrests of a human rights lawyer and a former lawmaker have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s civil society. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of transparency and due process in these arrests, with calls for the protection of freedom of expression and the rule of law. As the outcry continues, people are anxiously awaiting further developments in this case and hoping for justice to prevail.
