The Islamabad High Court has issued a key order in a high-profile terror case involving lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha.
On Wednesday, the court granted a two-day protective bail to both accused. Justice Muhammad Azam Khan approved the bail plea and set surety bonds worth Rs10,000 each. The court directed the couple to appear before the relevant trial court within two days.
The case relates to a first information report registered at Kohsar Police Station on October 27, 2025. The FIR was linked to a protest by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee at the National Press Club in Islamabad.
Police registered the case under terrorism and attempted murder charges. Several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code were also included. The FIR contains provisions of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.
According to the police record, the FIR accuses Imaan Mazari of attacking lady police constables with a stick. It claims she injured officers, damaged public vehicles, and snatched riot shields during the protest.
The FIR also alleges that Hadi Ali Chattha opened fire at a police constable with a pistol. The report says the bullet missed the officer. It further claims Chattha issued death threats while waving the weapon.
The charges include mischief after preparation causing hurt, dacoity, attempt to commit murder, wrongful restraint, disobedience of public orders, obstructing public servants, assault on officers, and armed rioting.
During the hearing, defence lawyer Kamran Murtaza informed the court about unusual events from the previous night. He said that for the first time a woman stayed overnight inside court premises. He referred to Mazari and Chattha spending the night at the Islamabad High Court Bar Association office.
Murtaza argued that an earlier FIR already existed from the July 27 protest incident. He said Mazari had appeared in court several times since then. He added that if police wanted to arrest her, they could have done so earlier.
He also challenged the firing allegation. He said the FIR mentions a gun attack, but the suspect never handled a pistol. He asked the court to grant protective bail in this and other unknown cases.
Read more about Imaan Mazari’s legal battles in Imaan Mazari Gets Relief in Controversial Tweets Case, Husband Also Named. This news explains the court’s decision and how it affects ongoing investigations and future hearings.
After hearing both sides, the court granted protective bail only in the present terror case. The court did not extend relief in any other matter.
Legal experts say the order gives temporary relief but does not end the investigation. The accused must now appear before the trial court and seek further bail.
The development has drawn public attention due to the serious nature of the terror case and the political background of the protest. Authorities have not yet issued any official statement after the court order.
Further hearings are expected once the couple appears before the lower court as directed.
