Riasat Ali Azad emphasizes fair trial as witness statements were recorded in the absence of accused
Lawyer Imaan Mazari. Photo: X
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the trial court hearing the case against human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to resume the statements of all witnesses within three days in the controversial social media tweet case.
IHC Justice Azam Khan issued the directives while hearing a petition challenging the trial on November 19, when the testimony of all prosecution witnesses had been recorded. The judge noted that the order to resume depositions was issued without prejudice to the merits of the case.
The court noted that the Supreme Court had made a quick decision in the case and ordered that both parties be heard before a final decision. “All the records are before the court; a decision can be taken,” Assistant Attorney General Raja Zameer-ud-Deen said.
Read: The court rejects the plea to stay the trial against Imaan
The case against human rights activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha revolves around allegedly controversial posts on X (formerly Twitter), which the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) claims were aimed at inciting division and creating the impression that the armed forces were involved in terrorism.
The case, which was registered on August 12, 2025 under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, reached the Islamabad High Court after the trial on November 19, where the testimony of all prosecution witnesses was recorded. Mazari and Chattha have challenged procedural irregularities, including the recording of evidence in their absence and the appointment of state-appointed counsel without their consent, prompting the IHC’s intervention.
Senior advocate Faisal Siddiqui submitted his power of attorney and will present arguments at the next hearing. Former Bar President Riyasat Ali Azad, who represented the accused, stressed that Mazari and Chattha have a constitutional right to a fair trial. “Give them a chance,” he said. He also highlighted that on one occasion the statements of four witnesses were recorded in the absence of the accused and their speaker, calling into question the reliability of such testimonies.
The court noted that certain exceptions exist in court cases to ensure that the procedure is not affected. Justice Azam Khan asked if a speaker was present as Mazari was not in court. Hadi Ali Chattha confirmed that no speaker had been appointed and the lawyer was also absent. Lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad added that Mazari had requested a postponement due to illness.
Read more: Mazari, man seeks case transfer due to bias
The Assistant Attorney General responded that repeated requests for adjournment caused delays, while lawyer Aleem Abbasi maintained that any testimony recorded in the absence of the accused or their lawyer would be illegal.
The court asked how long it would take to re-record the statements. Advocate Siddiqui said arguments on the merits required more time, but Justice Azam Khan clarified that the court was not going to the merits at this stage and directed the trial court to re-record all statements with the consent of both parties.
