ATC warns Imaan, husband of verdict sans testimony
• Couple refuses to record statements under Section 342 of CrPC; judge directs them to respond at next hearing on Monday • Defence seeks delay in verdict pending IHC ruling on transfer plea ISLAMABAD: While offering yet another opportunity to human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Hazir-Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to record their statements in a security breach case, an anti-terrorism court…
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.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
