Lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, have each been sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison. The verdict was announced on October 29, 2026, in a case involving alleged interference with security arrangements during an international cricket team’s visit to Islamabad.
The court imposed separate sentences under three legal provisions. These punishments total 13 years for each individual before accounting for concurrent sentencing and custody-related relief.
The 10 Years Sentence follows allegations that the couple disrupted security arrangements for the visiting cricket team in October 2024. The case was registered at Islamabad’s Aabpara Police Station.
According to the reported short order, the court also imposed fines under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The ruling came after months of legal proceedings and arguments from both sides.
Details of the Court’s Sentencing Decision
The court awarded two years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs50,000 under Section 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This provision concerns assault or criminal force intended to deter a public servant from performing official duties.
Under Section 186, the court imposed another year in prison and a fine of Rs50,000. This provision deals with obstructing public servants while they perform their official functions.
The court also issued a sentence under a terrorism-related provision. Together, the three punishments amount to 13 years of imprisonment for each defendant.
However, the court extended the benefit of Section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This provision allows time already spent in custody to count towards the prison term.
The reported order indicates that the sentences will run concurrently. As a result, the effective imprisonment for each defendant is 10 years rather than 13 years. The combined fines imposed under the three provisions amount to Rs200,000 per person.
Defence Raises Objections Before the Verdict
The judgment followed a last-minute request from the defence to postpone the announcement. Defence counsel Aimal Mandokhail argued that related petitions remained pending before superior courts.
The defence maintained that the trial court should wait for decisions from the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court. Mandokhail also informed the court that an application seeking the transfer of the trial remained unresolved.
According to the defence, delivering the judgment before those applications were decided raised legal and procedural concerns. The court nevertheless proceeded with the announcement.
The couple had previously challenged an Islamabad High Court decision that declined to halt the trial. Their legal team also questioned the framing of charges and the inclusion of terrorism-related provisions.
Background of the Security Breach Case
The case relates to an incident in October 2024, when authorities arranged security for an international cricket team travelling through Islamabad.
Prosecutors alleged that Mazari and Chattha interfered with the designated security route and removed barriers. Authorities claimed these actions disrupted arrangements intended to protect the visiting players and obstructed official duties.
The defence has disputed the allegations and challenged the application of anti-terrorism laws. The case moved forward when the court indicted both lawyers on October 7, 2026.
During the trial, both defendants recorded their statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This procedure allows accused individuals to respond to the evidence presented against them.
State prosecutors later completed their final arguments, and the court reserved its decision for October 29. The resulting 10 Years Sentence has brought renewed attention to the case and the legal challenges surrounding it.
The ruling represents the trial court’s decision, while the defence has raised objections concerning the proceedings. Any further legal developments will depend on the available judicial remedies and decisions by the relevant courts.
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