Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha 2 demand urgent halt to unfair ATC trial
Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha Challenge ATC Trial in Supreme Court
The legal battle surrounding high-profile human rights campaigners has taken another dramatic turn in Pakistan’s highest judicial forum. Human rights advocates Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha have formally approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking an immediate stay on their ongoing trial proceedings before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad.
This latest petition comes as a direct response to a recent ruling by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), where their urgent plea for an interim stay on the trial court’s fast-moving proceedings was left pending while notices were issued to the respondents.
Why Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha Approached the Supreme Court
In their comprehensive petition submitted to the apex court, the legal team representing Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha argued that without an immediate suspension of the trial court’s day-to-day proceedings, their pending application before the High Court would effectively become redundant.
The defense highlighted that the trial court has been operating in unusual haste. According to the petition, the court recorded statements from prosecution witnesses in a single day without affording the defense adequate time to prepare a robust legal strategy.
Key Allegations in the SC Petition:
• Proceedings initiated without sufficient defense preparation time.
• Prosecution witness statements recorded in a single calendar day.
• Severe restrictions on defense lawyers' access to clients in jail.
The petitioners maintain that removing temporary police security barriers does not, by any legal definition, constitute an act of terrorism. They allege that the primary motive behind the current prosecution is to harass the accused and subject them to political victimization while ensuring they remain incarcerated for as long as possible.
Background of the Anti-Terrorism Case
The current conflict stems from an incident involving allegations of route disruption and the removal of security barriers during the official visit of an international cricket team in Islamabad.
On October 7, the Islamabad ATC formally framed charges against Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha despite strong objections from defense counsel regarding procedural irregularities. The prosecution quickly presented seven key witnesses whose statements were recorded in record time, pushing the trial rapidly into the critical cross-examination stage.
Timeline of ATC Proceedings:
1. Sept 17 -> Re-arrest outside court following SC bail in previous case.
2. Sept 29 -> Resolving attorney powers after Adiala Jail contempt notice.
3. Oct 07 -> Formal framing of charges by Islamabad ATC.
4. Oct 19 -> IHC hears suspension plea; declines immediate interim stay.
Due to ongoing disputes regarding court appearances, safety concerns, and access restrictions for defense attorneys, the venue of the trial was shifted directly inside the premises of Adiala Jail.
Procedural Controversies and High Court Appeals
Seeking relief from what they describe as systematic procedural violations, Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha initially turned to the Islamabad High Court. Their appeal highlighted critical flaws in the framing of charges, pointing out that they were not physically present when indicted, nor were they provided with mandatory official documents and prosecution copies required by criminal procedure.
During the hearing on October 19, the IHC stated it would issue a final order after receiving formal responses from state authorities. While the High Court issued notices on the plea seeking trial suspension, it declined to issue an immediate interim stay or remove the anti-terrorism clauses from the charge sheet.
This refusal to grant immediate interim relief forced Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha to seek intervention from the Supreme Court to prevent what they characterize as an irreversible miscarriage of justice.
Previous Legal Battles and Cybercrime Charges
The continuous legal struggles faced by Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha span multiple jurisdiction levels and distinct legal cases. Earlier in January, the couple was handed a combined 17-year sentence in a separate case linked to controversial social media posts. The prosecution alleged that those posts promoted an anti-state narrative under national cybercrime laws.
Applications for the suspension of those sentences were submitted immediately in January. After months of litigation, the Supreme Court granted them bail and suspended the cybercrime sentences on September 17.
However, moments after their release was authorized, Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha were rearrested outside the court premises by police in connection with a newly cited FIR registered at the Kohsar Police Station.
When produced before ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, police requested a 30-day physical remand. The judge explicitly rejected the extended physical remand request, noting in his order that while the couple was named in the FIR as members of an unlawful assembly, no weapons or violent acts were attributed to either individual. Consequently, they were remanded to judicial custody at Adiala Jail.
Jail Disputes and Future Hearing Prospects
The detention period at Adiala Jail has seen repeated procedural friction. On September 27, the ATC was forced to issue a formal contempt notice to the Adiala Jail Superintendent after authorities failed to facilitate basic document signing or establish a video link connection for court proceedings.
The issue was resolved two days later when Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha were finally allowed to sign power of attorney documents, leading the court to wrap up the contempt proceedings and resume bail hearings.
As the Supreme Court takes up this latest petition, civil rights observers and legal experts are closely watching the outcome. The upcoming ruling on whether to suspend the ATC trial will determine not only the immediate fate of Imaan Mazari Hadi Chattha, but also set an important precedent regarding procedural fairness and the application of anti-terrorism laws in political expression cases across Pakistan.
