RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court on Thursday cancelled the appointment of State Counsel Taimoor Janjua in a case against human rights activists and lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha over removal of barriers and interference in official duties after the accused raised objections to his conduct during the cross-examination of prosecution witnesses.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who conducted the hearing at Adiala Jail, accepted the applications filed by the accused against the state counsel and appointed Atif Mehmood as his replacement.

During the proceedings, Ms Mazari told the court that Mr Janjua had previously been appointed as state counsel in another case involving her. Mr Chattha also raised objections to his conduct, alleging that the lawyer had told people that he had received Rs500,000 and completed cross-examination in a single day.

In response, Mr Janjua challenged the allegation and retorted that the accused should accompany him to a private case outside the court to see whether he performed his professional duties properly.

The exchange prompted Advocate Aimal Khan Mandokhail to question the state counsel’s role, asking him whether he was representing the accused or working against them.

The judge also expressed displeasure over Mr Janjua’s conduct and questioned his manner of appearing before the court.

“Has no one ever taught you how to appear in court?” the judge asked the state counsel.

Ms Mazari subsequently told the court that the accused did not need a state counsel as they already had their own lawyers.

Mr Chattha explained that their lawyers were frequently occupied with other cases at the Islamabad High Court, while the trial court had scheduled daily hearings, making it difficult for them to attend every proceeding.

No prosecution witness could be cross-examined during Thursday’s hearing amid the dispute over the state counsel’s appointment.

The court directed the prosecution witnesses to appear again on Friday and warned the accused that the cross-examination would proceed without further delay.

Addressing Ms Mazari and Mr Chattha, the judge directed them to ensure that their respective lawyers conducted the cross-examination at the next hearing. He added that if their lawyers failed to do so, the state counsel would undertake the exercise.

The court adjourned further proceedings until 9am on Oct 23.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2026