A district court on Thursday cancelled Bail for Imaan and Hadi in a high-profile social media posts case. The decision came after repeated absences and tense courtroom scenes.
The case, filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA), accuses Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha of inciting divisions based on language and creating a false impression that the armed forces were involved in terrorism.
The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammed Afzal Majoka. Prosecutor Rana Usman represented the state.
At the start of the session, neither Imaan nor Hadi appeared in court. An assistant counsel requested exemption for Mazari, citing Hadi’s engagement in a contempt case at the high court. The court said the request would be considered later and warned the accused that non-appearance could revoke their right to cross-examine witnesses.
When proceedings resumed, Hadi appeared and informed the court that Mazari wished to personally cross-examine the prosecution of witness, Shahroz. Judge Majoka instructed the defence to complete the cross-examination, warning that failure would terminate the right.
During the hearing, Islamabad District Bar Association President Chaudhry Naeem Gujjar requested a hearing on Monday, assuring no further adjournments. He stated that Mazari was unwell but still intended to conduct the cross-examination herself.
The prosecution opposed the adjournment. A heated exchange between Gujjar and prosecutor Usman followed, creating tension in the courtroom. Judge Majoka then retired to his chamber for a break.
After the break, neither Mazari nor Chattha appeared. The court cited misconduct and revoked their Bail for Imaan and Hadi. Arrest orders were issued, and the accused were to be produced before the court. Their right to cross-examine witnesses was also formally cancelled.
The court directed that statements of the accused under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code be recorded. Check out our coverage of Alizeh Shah Gives Final Warning to Yasir Nawaz to see her latest statement. This news highlights her message and the impact it has had on the entertainment industry.
The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow, with authorities set to continue proceedings. The decision emphasizes that repeated non-appearances can have serious legal consequences, even for prominent lawyers.
