SC stops proceedings in controversial tweets case against Imaan Mazari

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a halt to the trial proceedings against advocate Imaan Mazari in the controversial tweets case until a decision is issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar, and comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, heard Mazari’s plea seeking suspension of the trial. The court directed that the proceedings remain on hold and expressed the expectation that the IHC would hear both sides and conclude the matter expeditiously.

During the hearing, Justice Kakar remarked that the bench was dictating an order and asked whether the government had any objection. Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rana Asad replied that while he had reservations about the maintainability of the petition, he would not oppose the order.

Mazari’s counsel, Faisal Siddiqi, thanked the AAG and exchanged light comments with the bench, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Justice Kakar noted that Siddiqi had not recited a couplet on this occasion, after which the lawyer recited a verse, drawing further amusement.

Siddiqi argued that the case was registered under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and that cross-examination of four prosecution witnesses had been conducted in the absence of the accused.

The bench questioned him on the record proving this claim, noting that the defence team had left the courtroom in protest. Justice Kakar observed that without a fair trial, no conviction could be justified, adding that judges must remain free from pressure while ensuring both sides are given full opportunity to present their case.