ISLAMABAD: An additional district and sessions court on Wednesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her spouse Hadi Ali Chatha in the controversial tweets case, after both failed to appear before the court despite repeated directions.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka also issued show-cause notices to both accused, asking why their bail should not be cancelled for their non-appearance and conduct during proceedings.

The case was heard by Judge Majoka on Wednesday, where heated exchanges took place between the accused and the court. At the outset of the hearing, Imaan Mazari objected to the court’s previous order, calling it “baseless” and claiming that the record incorrectly stated she had been indicted.

“It is written in the court order that the indictment was read to me, while the charge was not read to me,” she said. “The recordings of the cameras present in the courtroom should be seen,” she added.

Judge Majoka responded that the charges had been communicated to her counsel, to which Imaan replied that the court should “read and explain the charge today”. The judge then directed her to call her lawyer. Afterward, the charge was formally read out, and Imaan Mazari denied the allegations. During the same hearing, Hadi Ali Chatha moved an application seeking the removal of the public prosecutor.

He argued that a complaint had been filed before the Member Inspection Team (MIT) against alleged “misconduct” by the court and requested a stay of proceedings until the MIT’s decision.

However, Judge Majoka declined the request, stating that “the hearing of the case cannot be stopped.” As the hearing resumed after a brief adjournment, Hadi Ali Chatha expressed no confidence in the court, alleging bias.

“This court is biased and should not hear this case,” he said.

Judge Majoka replied that such an application should have been filed before the indictment.

“Had you expressed no confidence before the indictment, I could have transferred the case. Now, this power lies with the High Court,” the judge remarked.

Chatha then alleged that the judge was “under pressure,” which the judge firmly denied.

As the exchanges continued, Imaan Mazari insisted the indictment had not yet been read, while the judge maintained that “the indictment has been filed” and that “the law allows the court to hear the case and it will be heard.”

Mazari warned that they would boycott proceedings if the court continued “in this manner”.

“If you want to do it, of course, do it,” Judge Majoka replied.

Both accused requested further time, citing the absence of their lawyers. The court adjourned the hearing until 12 noon.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2025