Imaan-Hadi bail plea: ATC irked by IO’s absence, missing case record

ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday expressed anger over the non-appearance of the investigating officer (IO) and non-provision of the case record registered against the human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha.

ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, while hearing the case against the couple registered in connection with a violation of Section 144 at Kohsar Police Station, summoned Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) legal Naeem Yousaf in person.

Defense lawyer Riasat Ali Azad, while arguing before the court, said that except for Section 7-ATA, all other sections in this case were bailable. The court had already rejected the prosecution’s plea seeking physical remand of the accused. He added that he was ready to present detailed arguments if the court let him do so.

The judge then asked, “Where is the IO?” The court staff informed the judge that the IO was out of the city. “Where exactly is he?” the judge asked, expressing anger over the absence.

The judge summoned the DSP and warned that a verbal explanation would not be accepted. The court then took a short break.

When the DSP appeared, the judge ordered the court’s security in-charge to bring handcuffs and summoned additional security personnel. “Do not let him leave. If I pass the order, arrest him,” the judge instructed the security team.

During the hearing, the judge asked the DSP, “Where are the IO and the case record?”

The judge became visibly annoyed when the DSP replied in English, directing him, “Speak to me in Urdu.”

The DSP stated that, according to his information, the IO was out of the city. The judge again expressed displeasure, telling the DSP that he would not accept a verbal explanation. The DSP requested the court to grant him some time to gather information and report back.

The judge warned the DSP that if the record was not produced, he would send both him and the Superintendent of Police (SP) to jail for six months. “You should be ashamed of yourselves,” the judge told the DSP angrily. “Bring me the evidence and show it to me. I will send you to jail in uniform. I do not accept what you are saying,” the judge added.

The court granted the DSP additional time and took another break. After the recess, the DSP informed the court that the IO was in Gilgit-Baltistan, presenting a copy of a WhatsApp message as proof.

However, the court refused to accept the printout and threw it back toward the DSP, with the judge directing him to produce the original copy instead.

The DSP further explained that because the IO was in Gilgit-Baltistan and his phone was switched off, it would require 10 to 15 days to establish contact with him.

“I cannot say anything until contact is established with him,” the DSP stated.

During the hearing, the judge said that courts should have a judicial force for implementation of court orders.

Azad argued that they should look at the mala fide. How old is this case, the lawyer said. They are making a joke of the court, he said, adding that this is not mandatory for the court to wait for the case record. He said that this is a bailable case. The court has fixed the case for today, he said.

The court, after hearing the arguments, adjourned the hearing till October 13.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026