The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over the conviction of two human rights lawyers in Pakistan. The EU described the ruling as a blow to democratic principles and freedom of expression. Pakistan, however, rejected the criticism, calling the case an internal legal matter.
The lawyers, Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, were arrested last Friday while traveling to a court appearance. They were charged under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and remanded to two weeks of judicial custody. Authorities said their social media posts allegedly incited ethnic divisions and portrayed Pakistan’s military as involved in terrorism. Both lawyers denied the allegations, claiming their posts were lawful.
Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU’s foreign affairs and security policy, said the conviction undermines freedom of expression and the independence of lawyers. He added that these principles are central to democratic values and Pakistan’s international human rights obligations.
Pakistan is one of the largest beneficiaries of the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). This program allows duty-free access to most European markets. Countries receiving GSP+ support are required to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labor, environmental protection, and governance.
The EU has previously scrutinized Pakistan’s GSP+ status. In April 2021, the European Parliament called for a review due to concerns over violence against religious minorities, restrictions on media freedom, and broader human rights issues.
Responding to the EU’s criticism, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi called the case Pakistan’s “domestic affair.” He said the conviction followed proper judicial procedures under local law. He also noted that the lawyers have the right to appeal and access judicial remedies.
Andrabi emphasized that while Pakistan engages with the EU on trade and other issues, internal legal and judicial matters remain the country’s sovereign responsibility.
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The case has drawn international attention, highlighting tensions between Pakistan’s domestic legal decisions and expectations from the EU on human rights and democratic standards.
