An Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has formally indicted human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case linked to an alleged security breach during the visit of an international cricket team in 2024. The case was registered at Aabpara Police Station.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra framed charges against the couple during proceedings on October 7. Both accused appeared before the court through a video link. The defence strongly objected to the indictment, arguing that important legal requirements had not been completed.
Hadi Chattha told the court that he had not received copies of the relevant case documents. Defence lawyer Zainab Janjua also argued that neither Imaan nor Hadi had received the necessary case record and that they had not been allowed to meet their lawyers properly before the charges were framed.
Despite the objections, the court proceeded with the formal indictment. Judge Sipra told the defence that they could challenge the order through the appropriate legal process. The court also directed authorities to produce the couple before it at the next hearing and summoned prosecution witnesses.
The case relates to allegations that the couple created a security risk by interfering in state affairs and disrupting arrangements during the visit of an international cricket team in October 2024. The proceedings have drawn attention because of the couple’s continuing legal battles and repeated appearances before different courts.
The court has adjourned the matter until October 9, when further proceedings are expected.
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha have also faced proceedings in other cases. In September, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences in a controversial social media posts case and granted them bail, but Islamabad police arrested them again hours later in connection with another case.
