Islamabad court sets indictment date for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has dropped contempt proceedings against Adiala Jail officials after the required powers of attorney for human rights activist Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha were signed. The court had previously issued a show-cause notice to the jail superintendent for failing to comply with directions regarding these legal documents.

Judge Tahir Abbas Supra directed the Adiala Jail superintendent to establish clear rules for signing powers of attorney by prisoners, noting that access to legal representation depends on this procedure.

In a separate matter involving allegations of protocol violations and violence against police, the court has scheduled October 6 for the indictment of Mazari and Chattha. The couple appeared via video link during the hearing. Additionally, a separate ATC is reviewing bail petitions for the couple regarding a protest case, with arguments scheduled for October 5. During these proceedings, former federal minister Shireen Mazari alleged that the couple had been produced before the court after it had been opened at night, a claim the presiding judge clarified by stating the court was already conducting work when informed of a remand matter.