ISLAMABAD: Pakistan human rights activist Iman Mazari has been consistently criticizing state institutions, making unsubstantiated allegations against law enforcement agencies regarding human rights violations.
A lawyer by profession, her vocal criticism of the military appears aimed at garnering international attention and support, positioning herself as a successor to the late Asma Jahangir.
Imran, daughter of the PTI former lawmaker Shireen Mazari, in a recent interview with the BBC, discussed issues such as democracy, civil liberties, enforced disappearances, and the misuse of terrorism charges. Contrary to the prevailing narrative, Mazari argued that the military and state agencies are responsible for many human rights abuses, particularly targeting ethnic communities.
She claimed that her commitment to human rights stems from witnessing power imbalances and state-perpetrated injustices during her upbringing in Pakistan. According to her, enforced disappearances involve state agencies abducting individuals and denying information about their whereabouts, creating a climate of fear and impeding justice due to a lack of accountability.
Mazari noted that the official figure of 10,000 enforced disappearances is likely understated due to widespread fear and under-reporting among affected families. She asserted that families often refrain from reporting disappearances due to fears of further harm to themselves and their loved ones, including threats of abduction, rape, and murder.
The activist stated that allegations of enforced disappearances frequently involve powerful institutions like the military, which often deny these claims. She argued that the justification of disappearances as part of counter-terrorism efforts is undermined by the continuing increase in terrorism, suggesting ulterior motives.
Despite acknowledging the personal risks associated with her activism, she maintains that her dedication to justice drives her efforts. however, the reality is quite different. Iman is highly critical of PTI founder Imran Khan, accusing his government of fascism while distancing herself from his government despite being her mother was the federal minister in Khan’s cabinet.
During the interview, she criticized his political approach, particularly his willingness to negotiate with the military but not with other politicians.
Mazari also criticized the current government while claiming a stance of neutrality toward all political parties in Pakistan. She identifies more with civil rights movements, particularly the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, rather than any specific political party.
She said that the current government lacks legitimacy because it was not elected and relies heavily on other institutions to maintain power.
By making such statements, she seems to aspire to emerge as another Asma Jahangir, seeking international attention and support through vocal and regular criticism of the military and allegations of human rights violations. Her views overlap with Baloch nationalism and represent a modern, liberal face that aims to legitimize armed insurgency against Pakistan through social activism.
The Pakistani government views the ongoing resistance in Balochistan as influenced by foreign-backed insurgents rather than purely local grievances. Consequently, military operations in the region are framed as necessary measures to combat terrorism and maintain law and order.
The State of Pakistan has made significant strides in addressing the issue of missing persons, with government-constituted commissions reporting substantial progress.
