Non-production of record: ATC warns police officials of imprisonment in Mazari-Chattha case

ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday expressed displeasure over the repeated failure to produce the case record in a case registered against human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband, advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, warning that the responsible police officers would face imprisonment if the record was not produced at the next hearing.

ATC Judge Abul Hasanat Muhammad Zulqarnain, while hearing the case registered against the couple in connection with an alleged violation of Section 144 at Kohsar Police Station, issued show-cause notices to Superintendent of Police (SP) Khurram and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Legal Naeem Yousaf. The court also summoned Inspector General of Police (IGP) Captain (Retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry to appear in person at the next hearing.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the investigation officer (IO), who had gone to Gilgit-Baltistan, would appear before it upon his return. Expressing displeasure over the IO’s absence, the judge asked when he would return.

The DSP replied that the IO would return within 10 to 15 days. The judge remarked that everyone was waiting and that the court had to announce its decision.

The judge warned that if the case record was not produced, the SP and DSP should prepare themselves for imprisonment. The court adjourned the hearing until November 3.

Earlier, defence lawyers Riasat Ali Azad and Aimal Khan Mandokhail, along with prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain, appeared before the court. At the outset of the hearing, the judge inquired about the whereabouts of the IO. The court staff informed him that the IO had gone to Gilgit-Baltistan and had not yet returned. The court subsequently summoned the SP and DSP.

Advocate Asif Irfan, vice chairman of the Islamabad Bar Council, expressed concern over the delay in producing the case record, stating that the court had been unable to obtain the relevant documents. He requested the court to exercise its authority and proceed with the matter.

Defence lawyer Riasat Ali Azad informed the court that the bail applications had been filed and that notices had already been issued. He argued that in other cases, when an IO was unavailable, another police official could appear before the court with the record.

The defence counsel requested the court to decide the matter on merit and exercise its authority.

The judge remarked that he had consistently granted relief to litigants. He said he was not intimidated by social media videos or public commentary and described himself as a fearless judge who sought to maintain a balance.

The judge also remarked that lawyers should maintain an appropriate attitude in court, adding that he was aware of the conduct and standing of those appearing before him.

“I have always granted relief while sitting in this chair,” he said, adding that he would not take even a minute to decide the case once the record was produced.

“Make an amendment to the law that permits bail without the record,” the judge remarked.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026