Mazari was accused of ‘anti-government’ tweets and Hadi Ali Chattha was included in the investigation for retweeting her posts
Human rights lawyer and social activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo file
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency arrested human rights lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, husband of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari, in Islamabad after a local court issued a non-bailable warrant against him for failing to appear for the hearing in a controversial tweet case.
During the proceedings, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka issued the warrants and directed law enforcement to arrest and produce Chattha before the court and also ordered cancellation of his bail.
Noting that it appeared the accused had not produced the required sureties, the judge directed the investigating officer to ensure Chattha’s immediate arrest and production before the court.
Shortly after the order was issued, Chattha arrived in the courtroom, but the judge informed him that since the warrants had already been issued, he would have to appear the following day instead.
My husband @AdvHadiali have been arrested because Judge Majoka insists on committing offences. Hadi appeared in court today and despite his appearance, the judge ordered his arrest. pic.twitter.com/oon3pF20RR
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) 29 October 2025
After the hearing, prosecutor Muhammad Usman Rana accused the court of showing “preferential treatment” to both Mazari and Chattha. He said the hearing was originally scheduled for 6 p.m. 11.30, but the accused did not appear, which meant an adjournment until 2 p.m.
“These individuals are using deliberate delaying tactics to stop the trial,” Rana told reporters, adding that the arrest warrants were issued at the request of the prosecution. He further claimed that the accused had previously made statements and tweets in support of banned organisations, but expressed hope that justice would prevail in the case.
Speaking to the media outside the courtroom before his arrest, Chattha expressed frustration with the court’s handling of the case, claiming that the judge had remained in his chambers despite several hearing calls.
“The court held three hearings since morning; Imaan kept appearing and I also came before 3 pm but the judge did not come out of his chamber,” said Chatha. “The judge gives orders from his chambers, which is misconduct. I told the staff I’m ready for the hearing, but the judge said he would issue warrants instead.”
A short time later, NCCIA officials detained Chatha outside the courtroom in accordance with court orders.
It is pertinent to mention that Mazari is a co-defendant in the same case, stemming from tweets she posted on X that were described as “controversial” and “anti-state”. Chattha was later included in the study for retweeting these posts.
