Islamabad court rejects plea to drop terrorism charges against Imaan Mazari

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has rejected a plea to drop terrorism charges against lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha. The application challenged the terrorism provisions invoked in a case involving an alleged security breach and interference in state affairs during the arrival of an international cricket team in October 2024.

During the proceedings, the defense lawyers boycotted the hearing. Counsel Zainab Janjua recorded an objection regarding the trial being held via video link in the absence of the accused. The judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, noted that the application to remove terrorism sections could not be entertained at the current stage of the proceedings and disposed of the plea without hearing arguments from the defense.

The case, registered at the Aabpara Police Station, involves allegations of violating a designated route and incitement. The court also sought a report from prison authorities regarding why the accused had not been presented as directed, though they were eventually presented via video link.