ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Wednesday indicted lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, fellow lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, in a security breach case registered at Aabpara Police Station.
The charges relate to allegations that the two lawyers created a security risk by interfering in state affairs during the visit of an international cricket team to Islamabad in October 2024.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra framed charges against Mazari and Chattha, who appeared before the court through video link. The defence objected to the framing of charges during the proceedings.
Hadi Chattha objects to framing of charges
During the hearing, Chattha told the court that he had not yet received copies of the case documents.
“I have not even received the copies yet,” he said, arguing that charges should not be framed until all legal requirements had been fulfilled.
The defence maintained that the accused should be provided with the relevant case documents before the proceedings could move forward.
Despite the objection, the court proceeded with framing charges against the two lawyers.
ATC reprimands police over IO absence in Imaan Mazari, Hadi bail hearing
Case concerns October 2024 security arrangements
The case was registered at Aabpara Police Station in connection with an incident involving security arrangements during the visit of an international cricket team to Islamabad in October 2024.
The prosecution has alleged that Mazari and Chattha’s actions created a security risk and amounted to interference in state affairs.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing judicial process, and the indictment represents the formal commencement of the trial rather than a finding of guilt.
Mazari and Chattha, both lawyers, have previously appeared before courts in connection with cases arising from their activities and legal work.
The court proceedings will now continue as the prosecution presents its case and the defence responds to the charges.
