Islamabad ATC indicts Imaan, Hadi in security breach case despite objection over incomplete legal formalities

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad indicted lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha on Tuesday in connection with the alleged disruption of an international cricket team's security route and incitement to public unrest. The presiding judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, ordered the production of both accused through video link.

Hadi raised an objection, stating he had not received copies of the case documents and that charges could not be framed until all legal formalities were completed. His lawyer, Zainab Janjua, also opposed the indictment, arguing that both accused had not been granted access to their lawyers and that the requirements for framing charges had not been met.

Despite the objections, the court proceeded with the formal indictment. The court summoned prosecution witnesses on Friday and directed that both accused be present at the next hearing, scheduled for October 9. The proceedings were adjourned due to a power outage preventing their appearance via video link. The couple, previously arrested on Jan 23 for protesting outside the Islamabad High Court, faced criticism from rights bodies, politicians, and journalists over their right to a fair trial.

They were released on September 17 by the Supreme Court, but were rearrested on March 22 in connection with another case, leading to their latest indictment and subsequent imprisonment.