ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday reprimanded police officials for failing to ensure the presence of the investigating officer during the bail hearing of lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha.
ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain was hearing the couple’s bail applications in a case related to their alleged involvement in a violent protest.
The judge expressed displeasure after being informed that the investigating officer was out of the city and summoned the deputy superintendent of police (DSP) to appear before the court in person.
Court questions investigating officer’s absence
Defence counsel Riasat Ali told the court that he was ready to present detailed arguments on the bail applications.
The DSP appeared before the court shortly afterwards. When the officer began speaking in English, Judge Zulqarnain directed him to speak in Urdu.
The DSP said the investigating officer was reportedly out of the city and later produced a printed copy of a WhatsApp message stating that the officer had travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan.
The court rejected the WhatsApp copy and directed the DSP to produce the original document as evidence.
The judge also criticised the lack of documentary evidence establishing the investigating officer’s whereabouts.
Judge warns police officers of jail term
During the proceedings, Judge Zulqarnain ordered that handcuffs be brought into the courtroom and directed the security official to keep the DSP there until the court reached a decision.
“I will send you and the SP to jail for six months,” the judge warned, directing police officials to place the relevant evidence on the record.
The court also questioned why proper documentation had not been submitted regarding the investigating officer’s absence.
Judge Zulqarnain further called for the establishment of a judicial force capable of immediately implementing court orders.
Bail hearing adjourned
The court ultimately adjourned the hearing until October 13.
The judge said the court would also issue a decision regarding the investigating officer’s absence.
The hearing came amid a series of recent court proceedings involving Mazari and Chattha. Earlier, another Islamabad ATC had issued contempt proceedings against Adiala jail officials after authorities failed to comply with court orders concerning the couple’s appearance and legal documents.
The couple has been facing proceedings in multiple cases, including a case registered at the Secretariat Police Station.
