ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday directed authorities to allow lawyers to meet human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in prison.
The court was hearing a case related to the removal of security barriers, registered at Aabpara Police Station. The case stems from 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 ATC indicted Mazari and Chattha earlier this week, despite their objections that they had not received copies of the case documents.
Court Orders Access to Defence Lawyers
Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court through a video link. Shireen Mazari and lawyers Riasat Ali Azad and Aimal Khan also attended the hearing.
During the proceedings, Chattha questioned why the couple were not being physically produced in court. He argued that the situation undermined their right to a fair trial.
He said they had been in prison for eight months and questioned how they could effectively pursue their case under these circumstances.
Defence lawyer Riasat Ali also argued that the proceedings could not move forward without 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 previous meetings with their lawyers in prison, claiming that cameras were installed during the consultations.
“How can a lawyer and client communicate under these circumstances?” he asked.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra subsequently ordered that lawyers Riasat Ali Azad, Zainab Janjua and Aimal Khan be allowed to meet Mazari and Chattha in jail.
The judge directed the prosecutor to ensure that the accused received access to their lawyers, stressing that they could not be denied the facility.
Defence to Challenge October 10 Order
Defence counsel also informed the court that they would challenge an October 10 order before the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The order concerned a petition challenging the terrorism provisions invoked in the case, which the trial court had disposed of.
Judge Supra observed that if the IHC allowed the application, proceedings before his court would come to an end.
The ATC adjourned the hearing until October 14.
Court Questions Adiala Jail Report
Separately, Judge Supra expressed surprise over discrepancies in a report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities regarding Mazari’s appearance through video link.
The court noted that Mazari had appeared via video link in the barrier-removal case on October 10. However, jail authorities had cited a lack of internet connectivity to explain why they could not produce her through video link in another case on the same day.
Questioning the explanation, the judge asked whether officials were preparing reports without reading them or simply copying and pasting the information.
The court also directed the authorities to produce Mazari through video link on October 19 in the case involving Ali Wazir.
