Riasat Ali Azad highlights the fairness of the trial as the witness statements were recorded in the absence of the accused
Lawyer Imaan Mazari. Photo:X
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the trial court hearing the case against human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to re-record the statements of all witnesses within three days in the controversial social media tweets case.
Justice Azam Khan of the IHC issued the directions while hearing a petition challenging the trial court’s proceedings on November 19, when the testimonies of all prosecution witnesses were recorded. The judge noted that the order to re-record the statements was issued without touching on the merits of the case.
The court observed that the Supreme Court had ordered a speedy decision on the issue and directed that both sides be heard before giving a final decision. “All the cases are before the court; a decision can be taken,” said Deputy Attorney General Raja Zameer-ud-Deen.
Read: Court rejects request to stay trial against Imaan
The case against human rights activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha revolves around allegedly controversial posts on
The case, registered on August 12, 2025 under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA), was filed before the Islamabad High Court after the trial court proceedings on November 19, during which the testimonies of all prosecution witnesses were recorded. Mazari and Chattha challenged procedural irregularities, including the recording of evidence in their absence and the appointment of a court-appointed lawyer without their consent, prompting the IHC to intervene.
Senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqui has submitted his power of attorney and will present his arguments at the next hearing. Former President of the High Court Bar, Riyasat Ali Azad, representing the accused, stressed that Mazari and Chattha have the constitutional right to a fair trial. “Give them a chance,” he said. He also pointed out that on one occasion, the statements of four witnesses were recorded in the absence of the accused and his litigant, calling into question the reliability of these testimonies.
The court noted that certain exemptions exist in trials to ensure that proceedings are not influenced. Justice Azam Khan asked if any pleader was present as Mazari was not present in court. Hadi Ali Chattha confirmed that no litigant had been appointed and that the lawyer was also absent. Lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad added that Mazari had requested an adjournment due to illness.
Learn more: Mazari and her husband request transfer of their case due to bias
The deputy attorney general countered that repeated requests for adjournments caused delays, while lawyer Aleem Abbasi argued that any testimony recorded in the absence of the accused or his lawyer would be illegal.
The court asked how long it would take to re-record the statements. Advocate Siddiqui said arguments on merits required more time, but Justice Azam Khan clarified that the court was not proceeding on merits at this stage and directed the trial court to re-record all statements with the consent of both parties.
