ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday directed authorities to allow lawyers to meet detained lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in prison as proceedings continued in a case involving the removal of security barriers.
The case, registered at Aabpara Police Station, concerns allegations that the couple posed a security risk by interfering in state affairs during the visit of an international cricket team in October 2024.
The court indicted Mazari and Chattha earlier this week, although the accused objected that they had not yet received copies of the case documents.
During Monday’s hearing, both appeared before the court through a video link. Mazari’s mother, Shireen Mazari, also attended the proceedings, along with lawyers Riasat Ali Azad and Aimal Khan.
Hadi Chattha Questions Absence from In-Person Hearings
During the hearing, Chattha questioned why he and Mazari were not being brought to court in person, arguing that the arrangement undermined their right to a fair trial.
He said the couple had been in prison for eight months and questioned how they could properly pursue their defence under the circumstances.
Defence lawyer Riasat Ali Azad also argued that the case could not proceed effectively without direct access to the accused.
“If we cannot meet Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali, how are we supposed to take the case forward?” he asked.
Chattha further raised concerns about meetings with lawyers inside prison, claiming that cameras were installed during consultations.
“How can a lawyer and client communicate under these circumstances?” he asked.
The defence maintained that access to legal counsel was essential for preparing their case and exercising their legal rights.
Islamabad ATC Indicts Imaan Mazari, Husband Hadi Chattha in 2024 Security Breach Case
Court Orders Access to Defence Lawyers
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra directed that lawyers Riasat Ali Azad, Zainab Janjua and Aimal Khan be allowed to meet Mazari and Chattha in jail.
The judge instructed the prosecutor to ensure that the accused were granted access to their legal representatives, stressing that they could not be denied the facility.
The direction came amid concerns raised by the defence over its ability to consult the detained couple and prepare for the ongoing proceedings.
Defence counsel also informed the court that they intended to challenge the October 10 order before the Islamabad High Court. The order had disposed of a petition challenging the terrorism provisions invoked in the case.
Judge Supra observed that if the high court allowed the application, proceedings before his court would come to an end.
The ATC subsequently adjourned the hearing until October 14.
Judge Questions Discrepancies in Adiala Jail Report
Separately, Judge Supra expressed surprise over inconsistencies in a report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities concerning the production of Mazari through a video link.
The court noted that Mazari had appeared through video link in the security-barrier case on October 10. However, jail authorities had cited a lack of internet connectivity as the reason they could not produce her through the same facility in another case on that date.
Questioning the explanation, the judge asked whether reports were being prepared without being properly read or were simply being copied and pasted.
The discrepancy prompted further scrutiny of the reasons provided by jail authorities for failing to arrange her appearance in the other proceedings.
Video-Link Appearance Ordered in Ali Wazir Case
The court also directed the authorities to produce Mazari through video link on October 19 in the case involving former MNA Ali Wazir.
The latest proceedings centred on access to legal counsel, the accused’s mode of appearance in court and inconsistencies in the prison authorities’ explanations.
The ATC has scheduled the next hearing in the security-barrier case for October 14, while the separate video-link appearance in the Ali Wazir case is due on October 19.
