Islamabad, October 17,2026: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday summoned Islamabad Inspector General of Police Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry and issued show-cause notices to two police officials over their failure to produce the case record in the security breach case against lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha.
ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain expressed displeasure over the continued absence of the investigating officer and the failure to present the record, warning that the responsible officials could face imprisonment if they failed to comply with the court’s orders.
The case relates to allegations that the couple disrupted the security route of an international cricket team and incited public unrest by removing barriers. They were indicted in the case on October 7.
During Saturday’s hearing, a court official informed the judge that the investigating officer had travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan and had not returned. The judge subsequently summoned the superintendent of police (investigation) to explain the situation.
Advocate Riasat Ali Azad, representing the accused, told the court that their bail application had been filed on October 29 last year and notices had already been issued, but proceedings remained stalled because the investigating officer had repeatedly failed to appear with the case record.
He argued that another police official could ordinarily produce the record when the investigating officer was unavailable, urging the court to decide the matter in accordance with the law.
Islamabad Bar Council Vice Chairman Advocate Asif Irfan observed that the court had the authority to address the situation but had so far been unable to secure the record.
Advocate Aleem Abbasi also urged the judge to exercise his authority and decide the matter on merit. He said the legal fraternity stood with the judiciary in defending its independence but questioned how lawyers could secure justice for their own children if the judicial system failed to deliver it.
Advocate Zafar Khokhar questioned under what law an investigating officer could take the case record away and leave judicial proceedings stalled.
Judge Zulqarnain, however, expressed displeasure over the tone adopted by some lawyers, describing their conduct as inappropriate. He remarked that he was not influenced by vlogs or commentary and conducted proceedings impartially.
After a short break, SP Khurram Ashraf and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Naeem Yousuf appeared before the court.
The SP informed the judge that the investigating officer had travelled to Khaplu and would appear after returning. The judge questioned the arrangement and asked when the officer would be back.
When pressed for a definite timeline, DSP Yousuf said the investigating officer might take another 10 to 15 days to return.
The judge criticised the police for causing prolonged hardship to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers through delays in their cases. Expressing frustration over the situation and alleged harassment of workers, he ordered the discharge of several individuals arrested in connection with the PTI’s long march.
The court subsequently issued show-cause notices to the SP and DSP, warning that failure to produce the case record could lead to proceedings for their imprisonment. The Islamabad police chief was summoned to appear at the next hearing on November 3.
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha have remained in custody since their arrest on January 23 in a case registered over a protest outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and allegations of manhandling the IHC Bar Association president. Their arrest drew criticism from rights organisations, politicians and journalists, who raised concerns about their right to a fair trial.
A day after their arrest, a sessions court sentenced the couple to 17 years in prison on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in a case concerning controversial social media posts. The convictions were widely criticised by lawyers and United Nations experts.
On September 17, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences and ordered their release pending the Islamabad High Court’s final decision on their appeals.
However, Islamabad police arrested the couple again hours later in connection with another case. They were produced before an ATC and sent to jail on judicial remand.
The fresh case was registered at Kohsar police station on March 22 last year on the complaint of City Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio. The couple was accused of chanting anti-government slogans and blocking roads, and both were named in the first information report (FIR).
The FIR initially invoked sections 188, 341, 506, 353 and 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to disobedience of a lawful order, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, use of force against a public servant and obstruction of official duties. No provision of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) was included when the case was registered.
The couple was indicted on October 7. On October 10, the ATC disposed of their petition seeking the removal of terrorism charges.
On October 15, the court directed lawyers and witnesses to appear at Adiala jail for the next hearing after police cited difficulties in transporting the couple to court.
At the subsequent proceedings, Imaan and Hadi objected to the manner in which they were presented before the court. The couple and their lawyers eventually walked out of the proceedings at Adiala jail.
