Pakistani rights activist Imaan Zainab Hazir Mazari has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for allegedly posting anti-state content on social media. The case has drawn nationwide attention due to her outspoken criticism of powerful institutions.
A day after the verdict, Mazari’s family confirmed that she is expecting a child. Her mother-in-law claimed that she faced harsh treatment while in custody, raising serious concerns for her health and that of her unborn baby.
Speaking to journalist Mutiullah Jan, her mother-in-law said Mazari was forcibly thrown into a police vehicle, roughly handled, and denied food after her arrest. The family is urging authorities to intervene immediately to ensure her safety.
The court, led by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, stated that the prosecution had “proved its case against both the accused” under Sections 9 (glorification of an offence), 10 (cyberterrorism), and 26-A (false and fake information) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The case stems from a complaint lodged in August last year with the National Counter Terrorism Authority’s Cyber Crime wing (NCCIA) in Islamabad, concerning posts deemed anti-state.
The sentencing and allegations of custodial abuse have sparked public debate in Pakistan, highlighting issues of human rights, digital freedom, and the treatment of detainees in custody.
Also read: Imaan Mazari Has Been Set Free From Prison
