Anti-Terror Court Demands Jail Explain Failure to Appear Human-Rights Lawyers
An anti-terrorism court ordered prison officials to justify why lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha were not brought before the bench despite a standing court order.
The anti-terrorism court in Islamabad summoned prison authorities to explain why human-rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha were not produced as ordered, directing a phone inquiry and a WhatsApp report by 11 am. Advocate Aimal Khan reminded the bench of an earlier directive to bring the accused either in person or via video link; the couple eventually appeared through a video connection. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra highlighted that the Islamabad Police had not provided the required escort, a lapse that barred their physical presence.
The duo continues to challenge the framing of terrorism charges, with a petition pending before the Islamabad High Court. Their lawyers emphasized that the state’s failure to secure their appearance contradicts constitutional guarantees of a fair trial. The court adjourned the matter pending the jail’s written explanation and noted the need for chairs for the video-link participants.
Why it matters
The case exposes procedural flaws in Pakistan's anti-terrorism courts and raises doubts about defendants' constitutional right to a fair trial.
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