ATC warns Imaan, Hadi of verdict sans testimony in security breach case

An anti-terrorism court issued a stern warning to Imaan Zainab Hazir-Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, denying them the opportunity to record their statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra directed the couple to provide their statements at the subsequent hearing, scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.

During the court proceedings, Hadi Chattha requested that the state counsel record their statements on their behalf; however, the judge clarified that recording statements under Section 342 was an agreement between the court and the accused, and they would need to provide their statements themselves. Both accused are facing a jail trial regarding the alleged disruption of an international cricket team's security route and incitement to public unrest.

The couple was indicted on October 7, 2024. The defense team sought a delay in the verdict until the Islamabad High Court ruled on a transfer petition for the case.