Pakistan Supreme Court Grants Bail to Human Rights Lawyers

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended the sentences of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha. A two-judge bench ordered the couple’s release on bail, requiring surety bonds of 200,000 Pakistani rupees each, while their appeals remain pending before the Islamabad High Court.

The couple, known for representing victims of enforced disappearances and individuals accused under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, faced convictions that international observers have criticized. The International Commission of Jurists and the Clooney Foundation for Justice have expressed concerns regarding the fairness of the trial and the potential for these legal actions to intimidate human rights defenders. U.N. special procedure experts previously noted that the prosecution appeared intended to silence the lawyers, who have frequently challenged the misuse of blasphemy allegations in cases involving personal or financial disputes.

Christian rights advocates and fellow attorneys have welcomed the Supreme Court's decision. Supporters argue that the ruling is a positive development for the legal profession, as the couple’s work has been instrumental in defending both Muslims and religious minorities facing legal persecution.