State counsel cross-examines prosecution witnesses in security breach case against Imaan, Hadi

Islamabad, Friday: A state-appointed counsel, Atif Mehmood, delivered a vigorous cross-examination of all prosecution witnesses in a security breach case against lawyers Imaan Zainab Hazir-Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. The couple, charged with disrupting an international cricket team’s security route and inciting public unrest, are expected to face a trial in a jail setting following their recent arrest.

The hearing took place inside Adiala jail, presided over by Anti-terrorism court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. The court had recently appointed Mehmood as the state counsel, replacing Taimoor Janjua, who was dismissed due to past conduct issues.

Imaan and Hadi were both rearrested on charges related to protesting outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), allegedly manhandling the IHC Bar Association president. They were released on bail by a Supreme Court order just a day after their initial arrest, but were rearrested hours later in connection with another case registered at Kohsar police station on March 22 last year.

The FIR against them included sections 188, 341, 506, 353, and 186 of the Pakistani Penal Code, alleging anti-government activities and obstruction of public servants. Despite their previous acquittal on the same charges in September, they were rearrested again and remanded in judicial custody, sparking criticism from rights bodies, politicians, and journalists.

The next court hearing is scheduled for Saturday, when the court will provide the defendants with questionnaires to record their statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.