ATC directs jail authorities to allow lawyers to meet Imaan and Hadi

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday directed jail authorities to arrange meetings between lawyer Imaan Mazari, her husband Hadi Ali Chattha and their legal team in connection with a case related to the removal of barriers.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra issued the order during the hearing, which was attended by former human rights minister Shireen Mazari and lawyers Riasat Ali Azad and Aimal Khan. Azad told the court that proceedings could not move forward without allowing the defence lawyers, including Zainab Janjua, to meet their clients.

The judge observed that anti-terrorism cases were required to be heard on a daily basis and asked the prosecution how many witnesses it planned to present.

The prosecutor informed the court that there were nine witnesses, following which the judge directed the prosecution to ensure the accused could consult their lawyers.

During the hearing, Chattha questioned why he and Imaan Mazari were not being brought before the court, saying their absence was affecting their right to a fair trial.

He stated that they had spent eight months in jail and questioned how they could prepare their defence and pursue the case without being presented before the court.

Chattha also expressed concern over the privacy of consultations with their lawyers, claiming that cameras had been installed in the areas designated for meetings inside the jail.

“The court has to decide our fate. Please summon us to court,” Chattha said, adding that the court should determine whether he and Mazari were guilty of terrorism.