Production of Imaan, Hadi: ATC warns Adiala Jail authorities of contempt proceedings

ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday warned Adiala Jail authorities that contempt of court proceedings would be initiated against them if they fail to ensure the production of human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, via video link during the next hearing.

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, while hearing the case, remarked that the court would frame charges against the couple during the next hearing in the case registered at the Secretariat police station, which pertains to allegations of violating a security protocol and assaulting police personnel.

The case was registered against the couple on October 29, 2023, after they allegedly removed road barriers during the England cricket team’s visit.

The jail authorities did not produce the couple through the video link, due to which the court did not indict them. The prosecution informed the court that the couple could not be presented via the video link due to a power outage (load shedding) at the Adiala Jail.

During the hearing, the judge ordered the Adiala Jail authorities to ensure both lawyers are produced through video link at the next hearing. The court warned it would initiate contempt of court proceedings against the jail authorities if they fail to produce the accused.

The judge also directed the jail authorities to allow both accused individuals to meet with their legal counsel.

Earlier, junior lawyers representing the defense appeared before the court and stated that the lead counsel was attending another proceeding at the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Prosecutor Raja Naveed also appeared before the court.

The junior lawyers requested copies of the charge sheet and asked for an adjournment. However, the judge remarked that the court had already provided copies of the challan (charge sheet) to the defense counsel, noting that the court was scheduled to indict the accused today.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case until Wednesday (today).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026