Former federal minister Shireen Mazari has moved the Islamabad High Court seeking enforcement of her legal right to meet her daughter, Imaan Mazari, and son-in-law, Hadi Ali Chatha, who are currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail.
In her petition, Mazari stated that despite completing the required biometric process and visiting the jail on the scheduled day, authorities denied her a meeting with her family members. She termed the refusal a clear violation of jail laws and fundamental rights.
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha were convicted on January 24 in a case related to alleged “anti-state” content on social media platform X. The case was registered in August 2025 under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. Their convictions sparked criticism from legal experts, political figures, and civil society groups.
Addressing the court, Mazari emphasized that her petition seeks protection of rights guaranteed under both domestic legislation and international human rights conventions. She argued that denying family visits amounts to mental and emotional distress, which contradicts established legal and humanitarian standards.
Mazari also questioned what she described as selective disregard for the rule of law, noting that Pakistan has historically upheld its international commitments. She urged the court to intervene and ensure the enforcement of her lawful right to meet her daughter and son-in-law.
Earlier in the day, Mazari appeared before the court in the GHQ case to mark her attendance before proceeding to Adiala Jail, reiterating her demand for access to her detained family members.
