ATC warns police over Imaan, Hadi hearing

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Monday reprimanded police officials after the investigating officer failed to appear at the hearing of bail applications filed by lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha.

Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain expressed displeasure over the absence of the investigating officer and summoned a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) to explain the situation.

The DSP told the court that the investigating officer was out of the city and had reportedly travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan. He produced a printed copy of a WhatsApp message as evidence of the officer’s whereabouts.

The judge rejected the document and directed the police official to present the original record. He also criticised the authorities for failing to provide proper documentary evidence.

During the hearing, the judge warned the DSP and the superintendent of police that they could face up to six months in jail if they failed to comply with court orders and produce the required record.

The judge also ordered handcuffs to be brought into the courtroom and directed security officials to ensure that the DSP remained present until a decision was taken.

The court further called for the establishment of a judicial force capable of immediately implementing court orders.

Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha are facing cases linked to alleged involvement in a protest. They were rearrested in a separate case after the Supreme Court suspended their sentences in a case concerning social media posts and granted them bail.

The ATC adjourned the bail proceedings until October 13 and said it would also issue a decision regarding the investigating officer’s absence.