Hearing on appeals of Iman Mazari and her husband in Islamabad High Court, plea to stop trial

Court issues notices to parties during hearing on appeals against rejection of applications

Islamabad: Islamabad High Court issued notices to parties during hearing on appeals against rejection of applications for framing charge and removing terrorism provisions in case of removing barrier and interference in official matters against Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.

Justice Inaam Amin Minhas and Justice Shahrukh Arjumand heard appeals, Riyasat Ali Azad, Zainab Janjua among other lawyers appeared in court on behalf of Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.

During hearing Justice Inaam Amin Minhas inquired whether you have received copies? Lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad replied that copies have not been received, they want to read how charge was framed. He contended that Anti-Terrorism Court issued order without its jurisdiction.

Lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad said that till some time before March 12, 2025 case was under hearing in court of Abu Al-Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, according to decision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case, court in which challan has been submitted will hear case. Copies of challan were not provided to accused and charge was also not read out in their personal presence.

He contended that proceedings cannot be advanced in absence of accused, personal presence of accused was necessary while framing charge and in this matter decision of National Judicial Policy Making Committee was also violated.

Riyasat Ali Azad said that charge sheet is basis of trial, if basis is not correct then building of trial standing on it will be considered illegal. He requested court that trial be stopped.

Justice Inaam Amin Minhas inquired whether trial of accused is being held through video link? Lawyer told that earlier proceedings continued through video link, however from last hearing jail trial has started.

On question regarding signatures on charge sheet, Riyasat Ali Azad said that his signatures are present at time of charge sheet, however signatures of accused are not there. According to him, at time he signed, accused were not present, therefore video recording should be summoned.

Justice Inaam Amin Minhas remarked that accused were present through video link and attendance of lawyer is also marked at time of charge sheet. Lawyer replied that copies of challan were not provided to accused in jail and affidavit has also been submitted in this regard.

Lawyer told that all applications filed in Anti-Terrorism Court were rejected, record and video recording of proceedings was also sought. He has also challenged order of rejection of application for removal of terrorism provisions.

Islamabad High Court issuing notices on appeals said that will inform by making order, while court indicated to see matter after arrival of concerned parties.

On other hand, in Adiala Jail Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra heard case of removing barrier and interference in official matters against Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.

Advocate Zainab Janjua appeared in court on behalf of accused, however she withdrew her vakalatnama. During hearing statement of any witness of prosecution could not be recorded.

Court adjourned further hearing of case till 10 am on October 20.