Sept 29, 2026
By Hashir Ahsan
ISLAMABAD
The hearing of the case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali over alleged violence against police and protocol violations at Zero Point, was finally conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Court with Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra.
After 248 days, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta were presented before the ATC via video link, while their lawyers Riyasat Ali Azad and Zainab appeared in court physically.
Copies of the charge-sheet (Challan) in the case were provided to the lawyers of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta. Charges will be framed against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta on the next hearing.
Setting October 6 as the date for framing charges, the court adjourned the hearing. The case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta is registered at Secretariat Police Station.
During the hearing, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta were provided a video link connection through an official’s mobile phone instead of the LED screen installed in the courtroom. On the occasion of the hearing, a dialogue took place between Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra and Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra inquired, “How is your health? Is there any trouble or worry?” Imaan Mazari replied, “I am absolutely fine.” Meanwhile, Advocate Hadi Ali Chatta responded, “I have become a diabetes patient.”
On this occasion, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra turned the mobile phone toward the lawyers present in the courtroom. Seeing the lawyers, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta expressed their gratitude to all and waved their hands to greet the lawyers and journalists present in the courtroom.
Imaan and Hadi said, “We thank all friends, media persons, and lawyers.” Conversing with them, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra stated, “They have submitted your bail application today. Hope you will also be present here on the next hearing.” Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra further added, “We are giving you copies in this case today; charges will be framed on the next hearing.”
Contempt of Court proceedings ended against Adiala Jail Superintendent
Meanwhile, Judge Sipra also heard the petition filed regarding the lack of signatures on power of attorney forms (Wakalatnama) of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta, in which Riyasat Ali Azad along with other lawyers appeared in court on behalf of the clients of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali. After the hearing, the court formally disposed of the petition filed regarding the power of attorney forms of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta.
During the hearing, lawyers informed that the power of attorney forms were finally signed, upon which the court dropped the contempt of court proceedings initiated against jail authorities.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra gave clear directions to the Jail Superintendent to frame rules regarding getting signatures on power of attorney forms. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra remarked that if this is the treatment meted out to lawyers, what must be the state of power of attorney forms of ordinary litigants.
Judge Sipra further added that earlier people used to get power of attorney forms signed sometimes in the lock-up (Bakhshi Khana) and sometimes in vehicles; however, the formulation of SOPs has brought great benefit, but glitches still occur here and there, whereas the first path to the provision of justice begins right from the signing of the power of attorney.
During the hearing, Advocate Zainab informed the court that the High Court has already prepared formal SOPs in this regard, therefore jail authorities should refrain from turning this legal process into a punishment.
Bail application filed for Imaan and Hadi in protest case
Important progress has been made on the bail applications of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta in connection with the protest case registered at Kohsar Police Station in the Anti-Terrorism Court Islamabad. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case, during which formal notices were issued on the bail applications of both accused. Issuing notices to all parties, the court fixed October 5 as the date for further hearing and arguments on the case, and directed the parties to present their respective arguments on the set date.
During the hearing, Shireen Mazari took the stance that Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta were presented after opening the court late at night, to which Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain clarified that the court was not opened especially at night; rather, it was already doing its work, and when the court was informed that the remand of the accused was coming, they remained present and seated solely on that account.