Federal police have arrested lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, triggering strong condemnation from the legal fraternity and a strike call by the Islamabad Bar Association.
Imaan Mazari and her husband had been staying inside the Islamabad High Court for the past three days due to fears of arrest. On Thursday, when they left for their appearance at the district court along with senior lawyers, police intercepted their vehicle at the Serena Chowk underpass.
Both were arrested and taken to an undisclosed location. Police have not yet issued an official statement clarifying the specific case under which the arrests were made.
Bail cancellation in IHC scuffle case
Earlier, the Anti-Terrorism Court had cancelled the couple’s bail in a case related to a scuffle outside the Islamabad High Court. Islamabad Police later confirmed that the arrest was linked to this case.
The development came amid heightened legal proceedings involving the couple in multiple matters.
Islamabad Bar Association strike
Reacting strongly, the Islamabad Bar Association termed the arrests illegal and announced a strike for the day. In its statement, the bar association said arresting the accused while they were on their way to the district courts violated legal norms.
Lawyers said the move undermined due process and escalated tensions between the legal community and law enforcement.
Controversial tweet case
In a separate development, proceedings in the controversial tweet case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in a local Islamabad court were adjourned until tomorrow. The prosecution team was present, but the accused and their defence counsel did not appear.
Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing.
Public Prosecutor Barrister Fahad told the court that the accused were deliberately hiding and moving between the bar and the high court. He said this pattern had continued for several days and accused them of intentionally avoiding court proceedings.
The judge remarked that cross-examination must be completed by 3:30pm tomorrow, adding that even one and a quarter days were sufficient for the purpose.
Warning over cross-examination
Judge Majoka warned that if the accused failed to appear at the next hearing, their right to cross-examination would be terminated. He clarified that there was no issue from the court’s side and noted that he adjourns court at 3:20pm.
The judge also remarked that he never passes an order that later needs to be withdrawn. The hearing was adjourned until 10:30am.
Sources said there is a possibility that Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha may be produced before the court via video link. The judge noted that the court currently has no information regarding the whereabouts of the accused.
The controversial tweet case has now been formally adjourned until tomorrow.
