The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday granted transit bail to lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chhatta, directing them to appear before the relevant court by October 9.

The case was heard by Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah, who engaged in brief exchanges with the petitioners during the proceedings.

Court proceedings

During the hearing, the additional attorney general and Imaan Mazari appeared before the bench. Chief Justice Atiq Shah, noting Mazari’s presence, remarked: “You have come to Peshawar for the first time.”

Imaan Mazari responded with a smile: “Yes, I have come to the Peshawar High Court for the first time.”

Also Read: Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Imaan Mazari, Hadi Ali

The chief justice further remarked that lawyers usually do not come to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unless compelled, adding: “Even on the pretext of an FIR, at least you have come to Peshawar, you people don’t come to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa anyway.”

Bail decision

After hearing the arguments, the court granted transit bail to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chhatta until October 9. The bench further directed both petitioners to ensure their appearance before the relevant trial court.

Just a day ago, an Islamabad court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Mazari and Chattha in the controversial tweet case involving state and national security institutions.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the case. During the hearing, the court directed that both suspects be arrested and produced before it on September 24.

Lawyers representing Mazari and Chattha filed petitions seeking cancellation of the arrest warrants. However, the judge immediately rejected the pleas, maintaining the earlier orders.