Islamabad, November 29, 2025: An Islamabad district and sessions court on Saturday completed the examination of prosecution witnesses in the high-profile social media case against lawyer and rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha.
The case, registered over allegations of inciting divisions on linguistic grounds and creating the impression that Pakistan’s armed forces were engaged in terrorism, has drawn attention due to its controversial nature and courtroom tensions.
During the hearing, Advocate Chattha clarified that his earlier contention was not that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was the “appropriate forum,” but that two official approvals were required before any inquiry could be initiated under the law. He also highlighted discrepancies in the timing of alleged posts, noting that some screenshots dated back to 2021 while his current social media account was created in January 2025.
Advocate Mazari argued that similar cases had previously been registered against journalists, after which the Islamabad High Court issued directions. Both accused sought acquittal, citing inconsistencies in the charges, but Judge Afzal Majoka rejected the application, moving the court to the evidence stage.
The proceedings became tense when Mazari’s counsel was absent, prompting heated exchanges between the accused, the state counsel, and police officials. At one point, Mazari referred to the court as a “military court” and accused the state counsel of being a “tout,” leading the judge to order both accused to be removed from the courtroom temporarily.
After a brief break, the examination of prosecution witnesses resumed. Five witnesses — Aneesur Rehman, Shahroz, Waseem, Imran Haider, and Afzal — were cross-examined, completing the prosecution’s evidence.
At the conclusion, Judge Majoka directed the prosecution to prepare and submit a questionnaire under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, giving the accused until December 4 to respond. The court adjourned the hearing until the same date.
