ATC summons Islamabad IGP in Imaan Mazari case

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has summoned Islamabad Inspector General of Police Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry over the continued failure to produce the case record in a security breach case against lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha.

During Saturday’s hearing, ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain also issued show-cause notices to two police officials, warning that they could face imprisonment if the required record was not presented before the court.

The case concerns allegations that Imaan and Hadi removed barriers along a security route designated for an international cricket team and incited public unrest. The couple was indicted in the case on October 7.

The court expressed serious displeasure over the absence of the investigating officer and the repeated failure to submit the case file, which has prevented proceedings from moving forward.

A court official informed the judge that the investigating officer had travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan and had not returned. The judge subsequently summoned senior police officials to explain the delay and establish when the record would be produced.

Advocate Riasat Ali Azad, representing the accused, told the court that a bail application had been filed on October 29 last year and notices had already been issued. However, the matter remained unresolved because the investigating officer had repeatedly failed to appear with the required documents.

The defence counsel argued that another police official could have appeared with the record in the investigating officer’s absence. He urged the court to proceed in accordance with the law rather than allow the case to remain pending indefinitely.

Islamabad Bar Council Vice Chairman Advocate Asif Irfan also questioned the authorities’ inability to ensure the production of the case file. Other lawyers urged the judge to exercise his judicial powers and decide the matter on merit.

Advocate Aleem Abbasi expressed concern over the difficulties faced by lawyers seeking justice through the courts, while Advocate Zafar Khokhar questioned the legal basis for allowing an investigating officer to take the case record away and leave proceedings stalled.

Judge Zulqarnain, meanwhile, objected to the tone adopted by some lawyers, saying he conducted proceedings impartially and was not influenced by social media commentary or online videos.

After a brief break, Superintendent of Police Khurram Ashraf and Deputy Superintendent of Police Naeem Yousuf appeared before the court. They informed the judge that the investigating officer had travelled to Khaplu and would return before appearing in court.

When asked for a definite timeline, DSP Yousuf said the officer might take another 10 to 15 days to return. The judge criticised the delay and questioned why the court should continue waiting while the case remained undecided.

The judge also expressed concern over prolonged delays in cases involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers. During the proceedings, he ordered the release of several individuals arrested in connection with the party’s long march.

The court issued show-cause notices to the SP and DSP over their failure to ensure the production of the record, warning that non-compliance could lead to imprisonment proceedings.

Islamabad IGP Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry has been directed to appear before the court at the next hearing on November 3.