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Non-Bailable Warrants Issued for Imaan Mazari, Husband in Social Media Case
Islamabad court issues non-bailable arrest warrants for activist-lawyer Imaan Mazari and husband Hadi Ali Chattha in case over alleged “divisive” social media posts against state institutions.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-05
Non-Bailable Warrants Issued for Imaan Mazari, Husband in Social Media Case

An Islamabad court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case concerning allegedly inflammatory social media posts.

The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency registered the case, accusing the couple of spreading content aimed at inciting divisions on linguistic grounds and of portraying Pakistan’s armed forces as being involved in terrorism within the country.

The two were indicted last week by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Muhammad Afzal Majoka, but both denied the charges. During Wednesday’s hearing, all prosecution witnesses had been summoned.

Tensions rose in court when Chattha expressed a lack of confidence in the presiding judge. ADSJ Majoka responded that such a motion should have been raised prior to indictment and that only the high court could now transfer the case.

“The judge seems to be under pressure,” Chattha remarked, a claim Majoka rejected.

Mazari objected, arguing the charges had not been read out to them. The judge insisted the charges had already been formally presented and that she should consult her lawyer. When Mazari and Chattha indicated they would boycott proceedings if Majoka continued hearing the case, the judge replied that doing so was their choice.

Following a short recess, Mazari informed the court that her lawyer had withdrawn his power of attorney, prompting the judge to direct that the counsel appear in person to confirm the withdrawal. Chattha also said his lawyer was on the way and questioned why the prosecution was rushing to record evidence without legal representation.

Despite these arguments, ADSJ Majoka went on to issue non-bailable arrest warrants for both Mazari and Chattha and adjourned the case until tomorrow.

The judge also issued show-cause notices, asking the couple to explain why their bail should not be revoked.

The case marks another legal challenge for Imaan Mazari, a vocal human rights advocate known for her criticism of state policies and security institutions.
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HumanRights

PakistanLaw

ImaanMazari

HadiAliChattha
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