IHC order casts a protective shield around human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued an order barring authorities from arresting human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari in any new cases. The order, which was issued by Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb, comes after Mazari was released on bail in a third case against her.

The order is a significant victory for Mazari, who has been a vocal critic of the government. It also sends a strong message to the authorities that they will not be able to silence her through intimidation and harassment.

The order is particularly important given the recent spate of arrests of human rights activists and lawyers in Pakistan. In recent months, several activists have been arrested on spurious charges, including treason and terrorism. The IHC order is a reminder that the judiciary is still a bastion of human rights in Pakistan.

The order has been welcomed by human rights groups and activists. Amnesty International said the order was a “welcome development” and that it “sends a strong message that the authorities will not be able to silence human rights defenders through intimidation and harassment.”

The order has also been welcomed by Mazari’s family and supporters. Her mother, Shireen Mazari, said the order was “a victory for the rule of law and for human rights in Pakistan.”

The IHC order is a significant development in the case of Imaan Mazari. It is a victory for human rights and a reminder that the judiciary is still a bastion of hope in Pakistan.

Here are some additional details about the case:

• Mazari was arrested in June 2023 on charges of inciting hate speech and terrorism.
• She was released on bail in July 2023, but was re-arrested in August 2023 on new charges of treason.
• She was released on bail again in September 2023.
• The IHC order barring her arrest in any new cases is a significant victory for her.
• It is a reminder that the judiciary is still a bastion of human rights in Pakistan.