ATC delays Imaan, Hadi’s indictment in security breach case

An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad has postponed the indictment proceedings against lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, due to their inability to appear in court. The adjournment took place on Wednesday after a power outage at Adiala jail prevented the court from proceeding with charging the two lawyers in a case related to alleged security breaches.

The hearing was scheduled to take place at Aabpara Police Station, accusing the lawyers of disrupting an international cricket team's security route and inciting public unrest. During the hearing, prosecutor Raja Naveed presented the case, while junior lawyers represented the accused. The junior lawyers requested an adjournment, claiming their lead counsel was occupied at the High Court and seeking copies of the challan for the proceedings.

The judge pointed out that copies had already been provided and the court was ready to frame charges. However, the junior lawyers complained they were unable to meet with their clients and continued the brief adjournment. When the hearing resumed, the accused could not be produced via video link due to the ongoing power outage at the jail.

The judge warned that the jail authorities would be held in contempt if the lawyers did not appear at the next hearing, threatening to take further legal action.