Pakistan: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Wednesday indicted lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, in a security breach case registered at Aabpara Police Station.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra framed charges against the couple over allegations that they created a security risk by interfering in state affairs during the visit of an international cricket team to Islamabad in October 2024.
Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court through video link. The defence opposed the framing of charges, arguing that the couple had not received copies of the relevant case documents and had not been allowed to meet their lawyers.
Chattha told the court that he had not received the case documents, while defence counsel Zainab Janjua argued that charges could not legally be framed until the required procedures had been completed.
The judge told the defence that the decision could be challenged and directed that Mazari and Chattha be produced in person at the next hearing. The court adjourned proceedings until October 9.
What is the security breach case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha?
The case was registered at Aabpara Police Station in connection with allegations arising from an incident during the visit of an international cricket team in October 2024. The couple is accused of creating a security risk and interfering in state affairs.
According to the FIR, Mazari and Chattha were also accused of chanting anti-government slogans and blocking roads during a protest outside the Islamabad High Court.
Why are Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha still in custody?
The couple has remained in custody since their arrest on January 23 in connection with the protest-related case.
A sessions court later sentenced them to 17 years on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in a separate case concerning controversial social media posts.
On September 17, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences and granted them bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000 each, pending a final decision by the Islamabad High Court.
However, Islamabad police arrested the couple again hours after their release in connection with another case and produced them before an ATC.