ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Tuesday returned bail petitions filed by human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in the Kohsar police station protest case over the absence of signed powers of attorney (vakalatnamas).
The court also issued notices on a separate petition against Adiala jail authorities for failing to facilitate the signing of the documents. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra directed the relevant authorities to respond to the application concerning the powers of attorney.
During the proceedings, lawyers representing Imaan and Chattha told the court that efforts had been made to obtain the required signatures from the detained lawyers, but the jail authorities had not facilitated the process.
Advocate Zainab Janjua said she had made efforts on Friday and Saturday and had also met officials at Adiala jail, but the authorities said that the powers of attorney had to be processed through the official procedure.
Court issues notices on plea against Adiala jail authorities for failing to facilitate signing of documents
She argued that both lawyers were in the custody of the court and had a fundamental right to engage legal counsel.
Judge Sipra then inquired whether the powers of attorney had been attested. Advocate Asif Tamboli pointed out that Imaan’s mother, Dr Shireen Mazari, was present in the courtroom and could verify the relevant details.
The judge observed that a bail petition could not be accepted without the required signatures, to which Tamboli suggested that the court retain the powers of attorney and arrange for their verification personally.
Judge Sipra remarked that rules and regulations were often set aside when lawyers were involved, adding that he would find a way to resolve the matter. He said jail officials would be asked why they were not facilitating the signing of the documents.
The judge also questioned the prosecutor about why the established procedure was not being followed.
At this stage, Imaan’s mother told the court that the two had been arrested from the office of the jail’s deputy superintendent (legal). She alleged that both lawyers had been physically assaulted during their arrest and urged the court to intervene in the matter concerning the signing of their powers of attorney.
The legal team subsequently pursued proceedings against the Adiala jail authorities for allegedly failing to facilitate the signing of the documents.
The court then issued notices to jail officials on the petition, seeking their response.
Imaan and Hadi were sentenced in January to 17 years on multiple charges under the Peca in the controversial social media posts case.
Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2026
