The Islamabad Bar Association has raised urgent concerns over the alleged deteriorating health of PTI leader Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, both in custody, and demanded immediate medical attention from the Islamabad High Court.

In a formal letter sent on 6 August 2026, the bar association urged Chief Justice Athar Minallah of the Islamabad High Court to intervene and ensure the two detainees receive proper medical care. The letter, a copy of which has been shared with Naya Pakistan, highlights reports of their health worsening in detention and calls for transparency about their condition.

  • Who is involved: Imaan Mazari (PTI leader, daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari) and Hadi Ali Chattha (PTI activist).
  • Where: Both are reportedly held in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.
  • When: The bar association’s letter was sent on 6 August 2026; no official response from authorities has been issued yet.
  • Why it matters: Mazari has a history of health issues, including thyroid and blood pressure problems, while Chattha’s family has previously raised concerns about his detention conditions.

What the Islamabad Bar Association is demanding

The bar association’s letter, addressed to Chief Justice Minallah, specifically requests:

  • An immediate medical examination of both detainees by a government-approved doctor.
  • A transparent report on their health status to be shared with their families and legal representatives.
  • Assurance that no coercive measures are being used against them.

The letter also cites international human rights standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which mandate proper healthcare for detainees.

Families and activists speak out

Mazari’s family has repeatedly raised alarms about her condition, with her mother, Shireen Mazari, stating in a social media post on 5 August 2026 that Imaan’s health had “deteriorated significantly” in the past week. She alleged that prison authorities were denying her access to proper medication and that her blood pressure had spiked to dangerous levels.

Hadi Ali Chattha’s brother, Usman Chattha, told Naya Pakistan that the family had not been allowed a proper meeting with Hadi since his detention began in late July 2026. “We are extremely worried,” Usman said. “The jail administration says he is fine, but we have no independent verification.”

Government and prison authorities remain silent

As of 7 August 2026, neither the Islamabad police, Prison Department Punjab, nor the federal government have issued any official statement regarding the bar association’s concerns or the detainees’ health.

  • Adiala Jail officials have not responded to requests for comment.
  • The Interior Ministry has not issued a clarification, despite multiple queries from media outlets.

This silence has fueled speculation among rights groups, who argue that lack of transparency in detention conditions is a growing concern in Pakistan, particularly for political prisoners.

What happens next?

The Islamabad High Court is expected to take up the matter in its next hearing on 12 August 2026, where the bar association’s petition may be discussed. Legal experts say the court could:

  • Order a medical board to examine Mazari and Chattha.
  • Direct prison authorities to provide medical records to the families.
  • Issue contempt notices if authorities are found to be obstructing access to healthcare.

Rights organizations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International Pakistan, have also demanded independent medical access to the detainees, citing Pakistan’s obligations under international law.

What you should do

If you are concerned about Imaan Mazari or Hadi Ali Chattha’s health:

  • Follow updates from the Islamabad High Court and PTI’s official channels for court dates.
  • Contact human rights organizations like HRCP or Amnesty International Pakistan to demand action.
  • Share verified information on social media to keep pressure on authorities—but avoid spreading unverified claims.

What to watch

  • 12 August 2026: Islamabad High Court hearing on the bar association’s petition.
  • Medical reports: Any official updates from prison authorities or the court.
  • Family access: Whether Mazari and Chattha’s families are granted proper meetings with independent doctors.

The case underscores broader concerns about detention conditions in Pakistan, where political activists and opposition figures have repeatedly reported inadequate healthcare in custody.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.