Islamabad ATC grants bail to Imaan, Hadi in police altercation case

On Tuesday, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad granted bail to lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case related to a road block outside the National Press Club and an altercation with police. The decision came after hearing their bail applications in the ATC. The police presented the case record before the court.

Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain also inquired if the applicants had any comments before announcing the acceptance of their bail applications. Both accused were released with surety bonds of Rs5,000 each. The court also stated it would investigate the matter concerning a show-cause notice issued to the police for the delay in producing the case record.

The couple has been in jail since their arrest on January 23, following a protest outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and alleged assault on the IHC Bar Association president. Their arrest sparked criticism from rights bodies, politicians, and journalists who emphasized their right to a fair trial. One day later, they were sentenced to 17 years in prison by a sessions court for multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act in connection with social media posts.

However, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences on September 17, and they were released pending the Islamabad High Court’s final verdict on their appeals. Shortly after, they were arrested again in connection with the security breach case, which was registered at Kohsar police station on March 22 of the previous year.