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Supreme Court Halts Trial of Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Husband Until IHC Decides Appeals
Supreme Court stays trial of rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha under PECA until the IHC decides their pending appeals. Court expects full hearing, as diplomats also observe proceedings.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-11
Supreme Court Halts Trial of Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Husband Until IHC Decides Appeals

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday suspended the ongoing trial proceedings against rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case relating to controversial social media posts. The stay order will remain in effect until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decides their pending appeals challenging the trial process.

The directive was issued by a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, with Justice Salahuddin Panwhar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim on the panel. The bench heard Imaan’s plea against the IHC’s December 1 order, which had declined to grant interim relief by staying the trial.

Case Background

Imaan and her husband are facing charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The couple had earlier approached the IHC, arguing that the trial violated due process under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Their main objection concerns the recording of evidence in their absence, which they say undermines fair trial rights.

The petitioners subsequently moved the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing after the IHC refused to halt proceedings. Their criminal revision petition against the trial is already before the IHC.

SC Orders Trial Suspension

While dictating the court’s order, Justice Kakar stated, “We expect the IHC to decide on the fate of the petition after providing a full opportunity of hearing to both parties.”

With this, the SC suspended proceedings in the trial court, presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, which were set to resume on December 15.

Senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqi represented Imaan and her husband, while Additional Attorney General Rana Asadur Rehman opposed their plea, challenging its maintainability.

Justice Kakar also commented during the hearing that while litigants are free to strategise as they choose, the court would not undermine or belittle the trial judge.

Diplomatic Attention Draws Social Media Buzz

In an unusual development, Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsas attended the courtroom proceedings, generating significant chatter online. Some social media users questioned the ambassador’s presence, calling it a breach of diplomatic norms.

Responding sharply, Imaan clarified the matter, saying:
“Diplomats routinely observe court proceedings — that is not equivalent to them taking a position on any case. This is standard practice.”
She added that the criticism appeared to be part of an effort to malign the ambassador.

Charges Under PECA

The case originated from an August 12, 2025 complaint filed by an assistant director of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) before the FIA’s Cybercrime Reporting Centre. The complaint accused Imaan of disseminating social media content “aligned with hostile terrorist groups and proscribed organisations.” Her husband was accused of reposting her content.

Both have denied the allegations, calling the case retaliatory and a violation of free speech.

What Comes Next?

With the Supreme Court’s intervention, the future of the trial hinges on the IHC’s forthcoming decision on the couple’s appeals. Until then, proceedings before the trial court will remain suspended. The case continues to draw significant public, media, and now diplomatic attention, highlighting ongoing debates around cybercrime laws, free expression, and due process in Pakistan.
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