ISLAMABAD: Prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir on Monday tendered her resignation as Chairperson of the Enforced Disappearances Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA), expressing sharp criticism of the Bar’s recent conduct in key constitutional and human rights matters.
In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to the president and secretary of the IHCBA, Mazari said she was stepping down in protest over the Bar’s withdrawal of a petition filed in the Supreme Court that had challenged the 26th Constitutional Amendment and raised concerns over judicial seniority.
Calling the move a “betrayal of principles,” Mazari wrote, “The Bar’s retreat from its stance is condemnable, cowardly, and unfortunate. I took up this position to advocate for the rule of law and the release of missing persons, but it’s now clear that the current IHCBA leadership lacks the courage to stand firm on such issues.”
She also expressed frustration over being sidelined in her role. Despite heading a committee on a critical national issue, she said she was denied even basic resources, such as access to an official letterhead to issue statements. She termed this lack of institutional support a deliberate attempt to stifle her work and silence her voice.
“I cannot allow the current Bar cabinet to use my name and reputation for appearances while refusing to act on human rights concerns. Therefore, my resignation should be considered final and accepted,” the letter stated.
Mazari’s appointment to lead the Enforced Disappearances Committee was viewed as a significant move, given her longstanding work in the field. The committee itself was established to raise awareness about human rights violations, support gender inclusion in legal spaces, and provide representation in cases of enforced disappearances — an issue that continues to haunt Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Known for her vocal stance against enforced disappearances and state abuse, Imaan Mazari has built a reputation as a bold and principled advocate. She has represented numerous victims, including Baloch students, who have reportedly been subjected to abductions and profiling by state institutions. Her work has garnered both local and international recognition.
Mazari, the daughter of politician Shireen Mazari and physician Tabish Hazir, is of Baloch descent and studied law at the University of Edinburgh. She began her legal career during her student years and has since become a leading figure in the human rights legal landscape. She married fellow rights advocate Abdul Hadi in December 2023.
According to the Asian Human Rights Commission, Mazari remains one of the few lawyers in Pakistan who consistently challenge enforced disappearances and openly confront powerful institutions, including the military and intelligence agencies.
Her resignation has sparked fresh debate within legal circles about the independence of bar associations, their commitment to fundamental rights, and their ability to withstand political and institutional pressure.
