Lawyers Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, were sent to jail on judicial remand by an anti-terrorism court after being rearrested shortly following the Supreme Court’s order for their release. The case was heard by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who rejected the police’s request for a 30-day physical remand.
Subsequently, Islamabad Police returned the couple to Adiala Jail. They face charges registered at Kohsar Police Station, which include allegations of promoting an anti-state narrative, incitement, and obstructing official duties.
In a significant development earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court had suspended the sentences of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, ordering their release on bail until the Islamabad High Court delivers its final verdict. The two-member bench, consisting of Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, granted bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000 each. The suspension of their sentences was to remain effective until the IHC’s decision.
Previously, on January 24, an Islamabad district and sessions court sentenced both lawyers to 17 years imprisonment under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) related to their social media activity. Following the Supreme Court’s order, their release from Adiala Jail was anticipated; however, they were taken into custody again in connection with a separate case and brought before the anti-terrorism court.
After their rearrest, police sought a 30-day physical remand during the anti-terrorism court hearing, which was denied. Instead, the couple was placed under judicial remand. Notably, the Supreme Court’s suspension of their sentences and bail remains valid, while the new case registered at Kohsar Police Station will proceed independently.
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