ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday restored the bail of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha in a controversial tweets case.
IHC Justice Muhammad Azam Khan also restored their right to defence and suspended an order given by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka on January 15, citing the accused’s failure to appear before the court.
The decision came as Mazari and Chattha appeared before the high court in relation to a plea filed challenging the trial court’s order whereby their bail and the right to cross-examine witnesses were cancelled.
During the hearing, the couple’s counsel Kamran Murtaza requested the court to grant them one week to complete the cross-examination of the witnesses. However, Justice Khan said that one week was too much and directed the lawyer that his clients must complete the cross-examination in three days. “Proceed the trial peacefully, there should be no disruption,” the judge remarked.
Meanwhile, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Muhammad Afzal Majoka on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the controversial tweets case against Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha without taking any action, till today.
An assistant defence counsel appeared in the court on behalf of the accused, but Iman and Hadi themselves were not present. The court said an order could be issued if they did not appear by 1:30pm. The court also took a break during the hearing. According to the assistant counsel, both the accused have filed a bail application in the Islamabad High Court and the court has not yet received the written order of the high court. The court also directed submitting a copy of the new FIR. The court ordered the accused to appear at 8:30pm today so that the hearing could be completed.
Meanwhile, after restoration of bail in the controversial tweets case, it has emerged a case registered in July 2025 at Kohsar Police Station under charges of terrorism and attempted murder is pending against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.
The case registered against Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha at Kohsar Police Station over the protest held outside National Press Club on July 27, 2025 has come to light. The FIR includes charges of terrorism, attempted murder, damage to government property, along with several other provisions.
