ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has directed human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to appear through video link at the next hearing of a case involving alleged protocol violations and attacks on police officials.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra took up the case on Friday after Adiala Jail authorities failed to produce the couple before the court despite earlier directions.
Expressing displeasure over their non-production, the judge adjourned the proceedings and ordered jail officials to ensure that Mazari and Chattha attend the next hearing through video link.
A case against the couple was registered at Islamabad’s Secretariat Police Station.
During separate proceedings on Thursday, the court was informed by Adiala Jail officials that powers of attorney for Mazari and Chattha had not been received according to the jail’s physical and digital records.
The report was submitted in response to a petition challenging the alleged non-provision of the documents.
Judge Sipra noted that Chattha’s power of attorney had been presented before the court. However, the deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail maintained that the document did not carry his signatures.
One of the couple’s lawyers, Zainab Janjua, told the court that she had met the deputy superintendent earlier in the week and was informed that the powers of attorney would be processed within a day or two.
Another counsel, Riasat Ali Azad, questioned why Chattha’s document had been produced while Mazari’s had allegedly not been received. He argued that the matter raised concerns about the couple’s access to legal representation and wellbeing in custody.
Azad said the situation was unusual as the documents had allegedly remained unprocessed for about a week. He also urged the court to ensure the safety of both accused persons.
When the judge asked about the source of Chattha’s power of attorney, Janjua said it had been obtained from the sessions court.
During the proceedings, Azad also expressed concerns over Mazari’s whereabouts, while her mother, former federal minister Shireen Mazari, voiced similar apprehensions.
The court subsequently adjourned the proceedings until September 26 and directed the jail authorities to produce both accused through video link at the next hearing.
