ISLAMABAD — An Islamabad district court on Saturday reissued non-bailable arrest warrants for human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a case related to alleged “anti-state” posts on social media.
The proceedings were heard at the District and Sessions Court, with Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Mojoka presiding. During the hearing, defence counsel informed the court that both accused had appeared voluntarily and requested suspension of the earlier arrest order.
After a brief adjournment, the judge stated that a formal questionnaire had been prepared for the accused and that further hearings would take place in open court. He noted that the warrants had been issued earlier after the couple failed to appear.
Judge Mojoka said the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) report had been received but the arrest orders had not yet been executed. He advised the defence to seek relief from the Islamabad High Court, saying he lacked the authority to reverse the bail cancellation.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that only the High Court could grant such relief and that the trial court could not withdraw its previous order unless the accused formally surrendered.
The court adjourned the case until January 19.
The charges stem from posts and reposts on X (formerly Twitter), which authorities claim were intended to incite divisions and harm state institutions. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.
Legal bodies, including the Islamabad Bar Association, have raised concerns over procedural issues in the case, arguing that the defendants’ right to a fair trial may have been compromised.
Originally published by The Express Tribune.
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