The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has adjourned the hearing of sentence suspension petitions filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, despite an earlier Supreme Court directive requiring the matter to be decided within two weeks. The development has drawn attention to delays in a case that has generated significant legal and public debate.

The Supreme Court had directed the IHC on May 12 to decide the couple’s pleas seeking suspension of their sentences within two weeks. The petitions relate to a case involving social media posts in which the two lawyers were sentenced to 17 years in prison under various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha have been in custody since January. Their legal team argues that the sentence should be suspended until the final disposal of their appeals, which are currently pending before the high court. The couple has also challenged aspects of their conviction before the Supreme Court.

The case stems from allegations that Imaan shared content deemed unlawful under PECA, while Hadi was accused of reposting some of the material. Rights groups and legal observers have closely followed the proceedings, citing concerns over due process and fair trial rights.