An Islamabad court has sentenced Imaan Mazari and Husband Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years in prison each over a controversial tweets case. The verdict was announced by the Islamabad District and Sessions Court after a tense hearing.
The court ruled that Imaan Mazari and Husband tried to harm the reputation of the state and its institutions through baseless tweets. Their actions were seen as attempts to turn public opinion against official bodies.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka issued the written verdict. Under Section 9 of PECA, both were sentenced to five years and fined Rs5 million. Section 10 added ten years and Rs30 million in fines, while Section 26A added two years and Rs1 million. They were acquitted of charges under Section 11 of the Act.
The couple appeared via video link from jail due to security concerns. Police said transporting them physically would take several hours. Technical issues initially delayed the connection, but the hearing resumed shortly after.
During the proceedings, Imaan Mazari and Husband claimed they were being tortured and denied basic necessities, including food and water. Following these allegations, they announced a boycott of the court hearing and left before it concluded. The judge instructed staff to preserve a complete record of the session.
Defense lawyer Ashraf Gujjar requested the physical production of the couple. The court said the request would be considered, but the verdict was still delivered, sentencing Imaan Mazari and Husband to 17 years imprisonment each and fines totaling Rs36 million.
In other related news also read Imaan Mazari Has Been Set Free From Prison
The arrests occurred a day earlier when police intercepted the couple near Serena Chowk underpass in Islamabad. They had been staying inside the Islamabad High Court for three days to avoid arrest. The move drew condemnation from the legal fraternity and prompted a strike call by the Islamabad Bar Association.
