ISLAMABAD: Pakistani rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Hazir Mazari has been sentenced to 17 years in prison in a case related to alleged anti state posts on social media.
A day after the court announced the verdict, Mazari’s family confirmed that she is expecting a child. Her mother-in-law also alleged that the activist was subjected to harsh treatment while in custody, raising serious concerns about her health and safety.
Speaking to journalist Mutiullah Jan, Mazari’s mother-in-law claimed that she was forcibly pushed into a police vehicle at the time of arrest, handled roughly, and later denied food. The family said they are deeply worried about both Mazari and her unborn child. Authorities have not yet issued an official response to these allegations.
The sentence was handed down by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. In his written order, the judge stated that the prosecution had proven its case under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. These include Section 9 for glorification of an offence, Section 10 for cyberterrorism, and Section 26 A for spreading false or fake information.
The case originated from a complaint filed in August last year with the National Counter Terrorism Authority’s cyber crime wing in Islamabad. The complaint accused Mazari of posting content online that allegedly violated state laws.
