Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir is one of Pakistan’s most prominent human rights lawyers and a vocal activist known for challenging state overreach. As the daughter of veteran politician Shireen Mazari, she has carved out an independent identity as a fierce defender of ethnic minorities, journalists, and missing persons.
Despite her rising influence, Imaan’s career has been marked by frequent legal battles with the state. Most recently, in January 2026, she and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, were sentenced to 17 years in prison under cybercrime laws, a development that has sparked international outcry from rights groups.
Quick Facts Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir |
| Profession | Human Rights Lawyer, Activist |
| Education | LLB, University of Edinburgh |
| Parents | Shireen Mazari (Politician), Dr. Tabish Hazir (Pediatrician) |
| Spouse | Hadi Ali Chattha (m. Dec 2023) |
| Known For | Journalists Defense Committee, Baloch Student Rights, PTM Advocacy |
| Current Status | Sentenced to 17 years imprisonment (Jan 2026) |
Early Life and Political Lineage
Born around 1995-1996, Imaan Mazari hails from a highly influential family in Islamabad with Baloch roots in South Punjab.
- Mother: Shireen Mazari, a former Human Rights Minister and senior PTI leader.
- Father: Dr. Tabish Hazir, a respected pediatrician.
- Grandfather: Taufiq Raufat, a celebrated Pakistani poet.
This unique blend of political, medical, and literary heritage shaped her articulate and fearless approach to public advocacy. She pursued her higher education abroad, earning an LLB from the University of Edinburgh, where she began her journey in law by performing pro bono work for harassment victims.
Legal Career: Defending the “Anti-State” Accused
Upon returning to Pakistan, Imaan did not join a corporate firm but instead focused on public interest litigation. She became a key member of the Journalists Defense Committee, providing free legal aid to reporters facing state harassment.
Her notable legal interventions include:
- Defending Journalists: Represented high-profile figures like Asad Ali Toor, Absar Alam, and Mudassar Naaru.
- Baloch Student Rights: In 2022, she successfully fought against the racial profiling and surveillance of Baloch students in Islamabad, leading the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to dismiss sedition cases against roughly 200 students.
- Missing Persons: Recognized by the Asian Human Rights Commission, she is one of the few lawyers in the capital willing to represent families of the “disappeared” from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Activism and Conflict with the Establishment
Imaan Mazari’s activism has frequently put her on a collision course with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment.
1. The Faizabad Sit-in (2017)
Imaan first made national headlines for criticizing the military’s role in brokering a deal with protesters during the Faizabad sit-in. Her stance was so controversial that her mother, Shireen Mazari, publicly distanced herself from Imaan’s remarks.
2. The PTM Rally Arrest (2023)
In August 2023, following a speech at a Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) rally where she criticized security agencies for abductions, she was arrested on terror charges. Although granted bail, she was immediately re-arrested outside Adiala Jail, a pattern often used against political dissenters.
Personal Life: A Partnership in Activism
In December 2023, Imaan married Hadi Ali Chattha, a fellow human rights lawyer. The couple is known as a “power duo” in legal circles, frequently collaborating on cases involving civil liberties and amplifying the voices of the marginalized on social media.
2026 Arrest and Conviction
In a dramatic escalation of her legal troubles, Imaan Mazari and her husband were arrested on January 23, 2026.
- The Incident: The couple was intercepted violently while en route to the Islamabad High Court.
- The Charges: They faced charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for “anti-state” social media posts that allegedly blamed security forces for terrorism and forced disappearances.
- The Sentence: On January 24, 2026, both were convicted and sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison.
The conviction has been condemned by family members and global rights organizations as an attempt to silence one of the country’s bravest legal voices. Appeals are currently pending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Imaan Mazari’s husband?
Imaan is married to Hadi Ali Chattha, a human rights lawyer who was arrested and convicted alongside her in 2026.
Is Imaan Mazari related to Shireen Mazari?
Yes, she is the daughter of Shireen Mazari, though they have often held opposing political views regarding the military’s role in governance.
Why was Imaan Mazari arrested in 2026?
She was arrested for cybercrime offenses related to tweets that criticized state institutions and supported Baloch activists.