The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reinstated the bail of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in the controversial tweets case.
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan of the IHC suspended the trial court order by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, which had cancelled the couple’s bail. The previous order was issued after the accused failed to appear in court.
Mazari and Chattha had challenged the trial court’s decision and requested the IHC to restore their right to cross-examine witnesses. During the hearing, their counsel, Kamran Murtaza, asked for one week to complete the process.
Justice Khan, however, reduced the time and directed that cross-examination be completed within three days. He emphasized that the trial must proceed peacefully without disruption.
The couple is accused under Sections 9, 10, 11, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. The FIR alleges that Mazari and Chattha tried to incite divisions on linguistic grounds through social media posts.
In October, the couple was formally indicted in this high-profile case. Last month, they approached the IHC expressing distrust in Judge Majoka and requested that the case be transferred to another court.
The IHC had earlier granted one-day protective bail to the couple, ensuring they could appear safely before the trial court. Tuesday’s decision now fully restores their legal rights and allows them to participate actively in their defense.
Court observers say the IHC’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding defendants’ rights in sensitive social media-related cases. The decision also reflects the high court’s scrutiny of procedural fairness in lower courts.
Legal experts note that the IHC’s order ensures that the accused can continue the trial without unnecessary delays, while also adhering to PECA provisions. Stay updated on developments in the IHC case involving Imaan Mazari. Read the full news on Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha’s latest court relief.
The case has attracted public attention due to its implications for social media freedom and accountability under Pakistan’s cyber laws. Mazari and Chattha’s next steps will now focus on completing the cross-examination within the timeline set by the IHC.
The high court ruling is expected to shape ongoing debates about legal procedures in cybercrime cases and the rights of defendants facing social media-related charges.
