Court cancels bail of Imaan Mazari, Hadi in social media posts case

An Islamabad sessions court on Thursday revoked the bail of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case linked to controversial social media posts.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammed Afzal Majoka cancelled their bail over no-show and heated arguments in the courtroom.

Prosecutor Rana Usman appeared on behalf of the state.

At the start of the hearing, neither Mazari nor Chattha was present in court. An assistant lawyer requested exemption from appearance, informing the court that Chattha was busy with a contempt-related matter before the high court.

The judge expressed displeasure over the repeated absence of the lawyer and said the request for exemption would be taken up later. The hearing was then paused until noon.

When proceedings resumed, Chattha appeared and informed the court that Mazari wanted to personally cross-examine the prosecution witness, Shahroz, and intended to ask the questions herself.

Judge Majoka instructed the defence to proceed with the cross-examination and cautioned that failure to do so would result in the right being withdrawn.

Later, Islamabad District Bar Association President Chaudhry Naeem Gujjar appeared and requested the jude to adjourn the case till Monday, assuring that no further adjournments would be sought. He also said Mazari was unwell but still wished to conduct the cross-examination in person.

The prosecution strongly opposed any delay. Prosecutor Rana Usman asked the court to administer the oath to the witness and begin cross-examination without further postponement.

The situation inside the courtroom soon became tense after a heated argument broke out between Gujjar and the prosecutor. Sharp exchanges followed, creating disruption in the courtroom.

As the situation escalated, Judge Majoka left the bench and ordered a break in the proceedings.

After the break, neither Mazari nor Chattha appeared before the court once again.

Taking note of the circumstances, the court cancelled the bail of both Imaan andHadi and ordered their arrest.