October 30, 2025
By: Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad: During Thursday’s hearing at the Islamabad District and Sessions Court, Advocate Imaan Mazari and Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha were formally indicted in the controversial tweet case. Both pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the case was politically motivated and that the proceedings were being conducted unlawfully.
A day earlier, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Hadi Ali Chattha, who was later arrested outside the courtroom.
The case was filed on the complaint of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), alleging that the two lawyers made controversial statements against state institutions through posts on social media. The FIR claimed that their tweets had harmed the reputation of state institutions.
On Thursday, Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing. At the outset, the court framed charges against both lawyers and summoned all prosecution witnesses for the next hearing. The judge also directed Hadi Ali Chattha to submit fresh surety bonds.
However, tensions rose during the proceedings. Speaking to the judge in an agitated tone, Hadi Ali Chattha said, “I will not submit any surety bonds. If you want to keep me in jail for a year, go ahead. What you did yesterday was illegal—you are not fit to be a judge.”
Imaan Mazari also expressed anger, saying, “If you want to have us arrested, then cancel my bail as well.”
The judge responded that the court respects everyone and expects the same respect in return.
At one point, Chattha’s counsel, Advocate Qaiser Imam, told the judge that the repeated demand for surety bonds was not legally justified. He argued that a person cannot be compelled to submit bonds again and again. The judge replied, “Submit your request in writing; I’ll include it in the order.”
Speaking to Voicepk.net over the phone after the hearing, Imaan Mazari claimed that Judge Majoka had illegally issued arrest warrants for Hadi Ali Chattha the previous day, even though he was present in court.
She said, “Hadi appeared in court at 2 p.m. The judge himself told him to come inside because both his cases were scheduled. When he entered the courtroom, the judge shouted from his chamber, telling the staff to ‘ask Hadi to leave; I’m issuing his arrest warrants.’ Hadi responded that he was present and ready to face proceedings, but the judge still typed the order and had him arrested on the spot.”
According to Imaan, Chattha was handcuffed and taken into custody despite being present in court. The next morning, around 8:30 a.m., when he was brought before the judge again, he was told that charges had been framed against him—without being read out or asked whether he pleaded guilty.
She added, “The entire process was illegal. The charge wasn’t read, and we weren’t informed about the exact allegations. Yet, reports were issued claiming that the indictment had taken place. If any order was passed today, it too would be unlawful because the judge himself had already recalled yesterday’s order.”
Advocate Hadi Ali, speaking to the media, said he was not given a fair opportunity to present his position, despite being in court. He claimed that the judge ignored legal requirements and withdrew his own previous order without considering his arguments. Chattha said that the orders regarding the forfeiture of sureties and bail bonds were also unlawful and later withdrawn by the court itself.
Criticizing the court’s conduct, he said, “The dignity of judges lies in following the law, not in intimidating people with punishments and threats. The time is over when violations inside courts could be hidden—everything is now visible to the public.”
Case Background
The case dates back to 2023, when Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha posted tweets that authorities described as “derogatory” towards state institutions. Following an investigation, the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing submitted a charge sheet against them. The charges include Sections 500, 501, 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code and relevant provisions of PECA.
The trial has been ongoing for several months, with both accused appearing in court on multiple dates. Chattha had previously faced arrest warrants following a verbal exchange in court.
The court adjourned the hearing until November 5 and directed the prosecution to produce witnesses at the next session.
Previous Cases Against Imaan Mazari
Both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha have been arrested in various other cases in the past. In October 2024, they were detained by Islamabad Police for allegedly interfering in official duties.
Earlier, in August 2023, Imaan Mazari was arrested along with former MNA Ali Wazir in a sedition case. Despite being granted bail, she was re-arrested outside Adiala Jail the same day in a terrorism-related case. Later, on September 2, 2023, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court approved her post-arrest bail and ordered her release.