Imaan, Hadi to face jail trial in security breach case

An anti-terrorism court has ordered the counsels and witnesses in the case against Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to appear at Adiala jail for their next hearing. The decision came after police proposed a jail trial due to challenges in transporting the accused to the court. The case involves the alleged disruption of a security route for an international cricket team and incitement to public unrest. Imaan and Hadi were indicted on October 7, accused of removing barriers from the route.

During a previous hearing on Wednesday, the defence raised concerns about difficulties in meeting their clients at Adiala Jail. The lawyers, Aimal Khan Mandokhail and Riasat Ali Azad, submitted an affidavit detailing the alleged hardships faced during the meeting. They were granted access after nearly an hour of waiting, but the discussion took place in a conference room rather than a private room, and everything was recorded.

The meeting lasted until 5:10pm, and both parties expressed their desire to appear in person at the trial, citing audio and internet issues that made video consultations challenging.

The judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, inquired about the reason for not bringing the accused before the court and requested a report from jail authorities. He also directed Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Pari Gul to attend the hearing within 15 minutes. While waiting for her arrival, the court learned that jail authorities had requested a vehicle for the accused's transportation, but the police lacked the necessary resources.

The judge suggested that the trial could be held at the jail premises. Later, police requested a jail trial, and a decision was yet to be made. SP Gul was given two to three hours to update the court, while state counsel urged for a specific date to be set for the next hearing.