IHC Orders Authorities to Prevent Re-Arrest of Imaan Mazari

Islamabad: In a significant legal development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a decisive directive aimed at preventing any further re-arrests of prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari in new cases.

Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb, in a concise two-page written order, has granted protective relief to Ms. Mazari, effectively barring her re-arrest in fresh legal matters.

The court’s specific instructions are directed towards the Secretary, Inspector General (IG), and Director General (DG) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), firmly instructing them not to pursue Mazari’s detention following her recent release.

The IHC’s ruling extends further, compelling the Interior Secretary, as well as the police and FIA, to withhold any assistance that may facilitate Mazari’s re-arrest. Authorities are also mandated to ensure that Mazari remains within the jurisdiction of the capital city.

The concerns regarding Imaan Mazari’s potential re-arrest were raised by her mother, Shireen Mazari, following her release on bail in a third legal case. To facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the various cases lodged against Mazari, the Interior Secretary has been tasked with coordinating with provincial authorities, with the deadline set for Monday.

It is important to note that the Islamabad Police had previously filed three cases against Imaan Mazari, with her being granted bail in two of them within the capital. However, a controversial turn of events occurred when, immediately after securing bail from the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in a case related to “interference in state affairs,” Mazari was re-arrested by Islamabad police officials outside Adiala Jail.