The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled June 1 for the hearing of sentence suspension applications filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in the social media posts case.
The court issued a written order confirming the date after completion of procedural requirements, including the submission of a certified copy of a Supreme Court directive. The apex court had earlier instructed the IHC to decide the suspension pleas within two weeks.
The case relates to their conviction under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws over alleged social media activity. Both petitioners have been in custody since January 2026.
According to court records, the couple was sentenced by a sessions court to 17 years in prison. The sentence includes multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, including cyber terrorism, glorification of offences, and dissemination of false information.
The case originated from a complaint filed in August 2025 by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which alleged that Imaan Mazari shared content linked to proscribed organisations, while her husband was accused of resharing the posts.
The couple’s arrest earlier this year triggered criticism from rights groups and legal observers, who raised concerns over due process and fair trial rights.
Subsequent legal proceedings have included multiple appeals and requests for interim relief. The Supreme Court has also been approached regarding suspension of sentences and review of earlier high court orders.
On May 20, the IHC had issued notices to NCCIA officials regarding expedited hearing requests. Earlier, the court had also raised procedural objections over missing certified documents before proceeding with the case.
The registrar office has now issued the cause list confirming that the matter will be taken up on June 1.
The hearing is expected to decide whether the sentences of the two lawyers will be suspended while their main appeals remain pending before the court.
