ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra on Thursday dismissed the pre-arrest bail applications of advocates Imaan-Hazir Mazari and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha in a case relating to a scuffle outside the Islamabad High Court, citing their non-appearance.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association’s Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jajja announced in a press conference that the couple would appear before the trial court in controversial tweets case on Friday (today).

During the hearing in the ATC, neither Imaan Mazari nor Hadi Ali Chattha appeared before the court, leading to the dismissal of their bail pleas. The case was registered on the complaint of Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Syed Wajid Ali Gilani, following a heated exchange during a protest outside the High Court Bar Office.

Separately, the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka was hearing the controversial tweets case against the two accused. Despite repeated calls and adjournments until 11:30 am, neither the accused nor their counsel appeared before the court.

The prosecution informed the court that the accused were deliberately present at the Islamabad High Court premises and requested the issuance of arrest warrants. Prosecutor Rana Usman argued that despite clear directions from the High Court, the accused had failed to appear, and therefore their bail should be rejected and warrants issued.

Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka remarked that his “hands were free to pass appropriate orders” and noted that the High Court had directed completion of cross-examination by Jan 24.

The court ordered the accused to appear in person at 8:30am and adjourned the hearing till today.

Meanwhile, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha spent a second consecutive night at the office of the Islamabad High Court Bar president. After court hours began, Hadi Ali Chattha briefly went to the court to complete biometric verification before returning to the bar office.

Senior lawyer Babar Awan, High Court Bar President Wajid Ali Gilani, Islamabad Bar Council member Aleem Abbasi, and several other lawyers visited the bar office to express solidarity with the two advocates. A heavy police contingent was deployed around the High Court, with strict checking of vehicles entering and exiting the premises.

Both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha had earlier obtained protective bail from the Islamabad High Court in controversial tweets case. However, another case was subsequently registered against them by the Islamabad police.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026