Mazari was accused of “anti-state” tweets and Hadi Ali Chattha was included in the investigation for retweeting her messages
Imaan Mazari, human rights lawyer and social activist, and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo file
The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency arrested human rights lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, husband of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari, in Islamabad after a local court issued non-bailable arrest warrants against him for failing to appear at the hearing on a controversial Twitter case.
During the proceedings, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka issued the arrest warrants and ordered the law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce Chattha before the court, also ordering cancellation of his bail.
The judge noted that it appeared that the accused had failed to post the required sureties, asking the investigating officer to ensure the arrest and immediate production of Chattha before the court.
Shortly after the order was issued, Chattha arrived in the courtroom, but the judge informed him that since the warrants had already been issued, he would have to appear the next day.
My husband @AdvHadiali was arrested because Judge Majoka persists in committing misconduct. Hadi appeared in court today and despite his appearance, the all-powerful judge ordered his arrest. pic.twitter.com/oon3pF20RR
– Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) October 29, 2025
Following the hearing, prosecutor’s lawyer Muhammad Usman Rana accused the court of giving “preferential treatment” to Mazari and Chattha. He said the hearing was originally scheduled for 11:30 a.m., but the accused failed to appear, leading to a postponement to 2 p.m.
“These individuals are deliberately employing delaying tactics to stall the trial,” Rana told reporters, adding that the arrest warrants were issued at the request of the prosecution. He further alleged that the accused had, in the past, made statements and tweeted in support of banned organizations, but expressed hope that justice would prevail in this case.
Speaking to media outside the courtroom before his arrest, Chattha expressed frustration with the court’s handling of the case, saying the judge remained in his chambers despite several calls for a hearing.
“The court held three hearings since morning; Imaan continued to appear, and I also came before 3 p.m., but the judge did not come out of his chambers,” Chatha said. “The judge is issuing orders from his chambers, which constitutes misconduct. I told staff I was ready for the hearing, but the judge said he would issue warrants instead.”
Shortly afterward, NCCIA officials arrested Chatha outside the courtroom in accordance with court orders.
It is pertinent to mention that Mazari is a co-accused in the same case, which stems from the tweets she posted on X and called “controversial” and “anti-state”. Chattha was later included in the investigation for retweeting these messages.
