ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday marked the attendance of advocate Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, from Adiala jail through a video link, extended their judicial remand for another fortnight, and directed jail authorities to ensure their virtual presence at the next hearing scheduled for February 19.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra resumed proceedings in the case registered against Ms Mazari and Mr Chattha under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act for their alleged involvement in a lawyers’ protest at Constitution Avenue. The couple was arrested last month while leaving the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in connection with the case.
During the hearing, the prosecution submitted a notification dated February 5, citing the prevailing law and order situation that, according to authorities, made it difficult to physically produce the accused before the court. The prosecution requested that their attendance be marked via video link.
The judge marked the attendance of both accused through a video link from Adiala jail and directed jail officials to ensure their participation at the next hearing on February 19.
Written order
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court has issued a two-page written order on a petition filed by Dr Shireen Mazari concerning the alleged denial of meeting facilities to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha following their conviction.
The petition was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, who noted in the written order that the couple had been sentenced on January 24. However, according to the petitioner, they were not being provided with the facility to meet their family members and lawyers after the sentence.
The court observed that the petitioner had not approached the relevant administrative forum regarding the matter. Consequently, the IHC converted the petition into an application and forwarded it to the Superintendent of Adiala jail, directing that the matter be decided expeditiously in accordance with the law.
Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2026
