Civil society expresses solidarity with lawyer couple
KARACHI: Dozens of activists, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members gathered outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday, braving heavy security, to express solidarity with activist and lawyer Iman Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha.
The protest, called by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and journalist organizations, aimed to condemn the sentencing of the couple under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
As protesters converged on the press club, authorities attempted to block the entrance with containers, but demonstrators persisted, gathering outside the venue. Speaking at the protest, President of the Karachi Press Club, Fazil Jamili, expressed concern over the administration’s tactics, terming PECA a “black law” that grossly violates freedom of expression. “We must stand united, as this law will boomerang in the future,” he warned.
Chairperson HRCP Asad Butt said, “Today, we stand united against the unjust sentencing of Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. PECA is a draconian law that stifles dissent and restricts freedoms. We condemn the authorities’ attempt to silence us, but we will not be intimidated.” He demanded the repeal of PECA and the release of Iman and Hadi, saying, “The struggle for justice and freedom continues.”
Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas condemned the 2016 PECA promulgation. “The law’s purpose is to silence dissent and dictate to media,” he said, criticizing the parliament for failing to repeal it. Abbas emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “It’s our responsibility to join hands and reclaim our rights.”
Vice chairperson HRCP Qazi Khizar demanded solidarity with Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, sentenced to 17 years in jail under PECA. He warned that silencing voices would push the state towards chaos, increasing the country’s crisis.
The police was out in force, with containers placed at press club entry points, but protesters remained undeterred. The demonstration underscored growing concerns over PECA’s restrictive nature and its impact on dissent and media freedom.
