Islamabad, Pakistan:
The Islamabad District and Sessions Court on Wednesday recalled the non-bailable arrest warrants issued against prominent human rights defenders and lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, after the couple appeared in court. The warrants were issued the previous day due to their failure to appear in a high-profile case involving controversial tweets.
The hearing, presided over by Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka, was held under tight security, with police deployed outside the courtroom. The arrest warrants were recalled following the couple’s physical presence, despite their junior counsel having informed the court yesterday that they had left for another court appearance in Rawalpindi after marking their attendance.
Contesting the Charges
When the charge sheet was read out, both Mazari and Chattha opted not to enter a plea of confirmation or denial. Chattha stated the couple’s position: “We will hire lawyers and can respond to the court regarding this after that. We have filed a new application regarding our documents… No indictment can be made until this application is decided.”
The application sought documents, including their written statements submitted before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under Section 161 (examination of witnesses) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Initially, the prosecution claimed ignorance regarding the statements. However, once Judge Majoka began dictating an order compelling disclosure, the documents were immediately handed over to the accused.
Adjournment and Legal Challenges
Following receipt of the documents, the couple’s legal strategy shifted. They decided to challenge the trial proceedings up to the current stage of framing of charges. Their lawyers requested additional time from the court to prepare their challenge, a request that was granted. The court then adjourned the hearing until October 7.
The case draws added scrutiny amidst Imaan Mazari’s ongoing legal battle against the judiciary itself. Last week, Mazari filed a grievance letter over “inaction” on her workplace harassment complaint against Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar. This came after Justice Dogar had previously warned her of a contempt of court case and reportedly made intimidating remarks against her. Mazari has since approached both an inquiry committee of the IHC and the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) regarding the Chief Justice’s conduct.
