The Islamabad court directed jail authorities to allow three defence lawyers to meet the detained couple, with the hearing adjourned until October 14.
WEB DESK: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday directed jail authorities to allow lawyers representing human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to meet them in prison.
The order came during proceedings in a case registered at Aabpara Police Station concerning the alleged removal of security barriers during an international cricket team’s visit to Islamabad in October 2024.
According to Geo News, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra directed that defence lawyers Riasat Ali Azad, Zainab Janjua and Aimal Khan be permitted to meet the couple in jail.
The court adjourned the hearing until October 14.
Defence Raises Concerns Over Access to Lawyers
During the hearing, Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court through a video link. Mazari’s mother, former federal minister Shireen Mazari, also appeared alongside members of the defence team.
Defence counsel argued that the case could not proceed effectively without access to their clients.
Lawyer Riasat Ali Azad questioned how the defence could prepare its case if lawyers were unable to meet the accused in prison.
Chattha also raised concerns about the conditions under which previous meetings with lawyers had taken place, alleging that cameras were installed during consultations.
The defence argued that such arrangements raised concerns about confidential communication between lawyers and their clients.
The judge directed the prosecution to ensure that the accused were given access to their legal representatives, stressing that they could not be denied the facility.
Court Questions Jail Authorities’ Report
Separately, Judge Supra questioned discrepancies in a report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities regarding the production of Mazari through a video link.
The court noted that Mazari had appeared through video link in the security-barrier case on October 10, while jail authorities had cited a lack of internet connectivity as the reason for failing to produce her in another case on the same day.
The judge questioned the explanation provided by the jail authorities.
The court also directed officials to produce Mazari through video link on October 19 in the case involving former MNA Ali Wazir.
Background of the Case
The proceedings concern allegations that Mazari and Chattha created a security risk by interfering with security arrangements during the visit of an international cricket team in October 2024.
The couple was indicted in the case earlier in October 2026. They have raised objections concerning access to case documents and the proceedings against them.
On October 10, the ATC disposed of a petition challenging the terrorism provisions invoked in the case. The defence subsequently indicated that it would challenge the relevant order before the Islamabad High Court.
The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Hearing Adjourned Until October 14
The court’s latest order focuses on ensuring that the defence lawyers can meet their clients in prison as the proceedings continue.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2026.
