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ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP): The District & Sessions Court of Islamabad on Wednesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and co-accused Hadi Ali Chattha after both failed to appear for the hearing of a case related to controversial tweets.
The court also served them show-cause notices for their absence, questioning why their bail should not be canceled. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in the controversial tweets case after both accused failed to appear before the court.
At the start of the hearing, Mazari challenged the court’s previous order, claiming that it incorrectly stated that she had been read the charges. She insisted that the charges were never read out to her and requested the court to review the courtroom recording. “I do not even know what charges have been framed against me,” she said.
Judge Majoka responded that her counsel had already been informed of the charges and had pleaded not guilty on her behalf. Mazari then asked the court to formally read out the charge again. The judge directed her to summon her lawyer, stating that he was aware of the charges.
During the proceedings, co-accused Hadi Ali Chattha filed a request to replace the state prosecutor, appointing Asif Ali as his new counsel. He argued that a complaint had been filed against the court’s alleged misconduct and requested to halt proceedings until a decision was made. The judge declined, saying the trial could not be paused.
When the hearing resumed after a short break, Chattha expressed distrust in the court, alleging bias and requesting that the case be transferred. Judge Majoka remarked that such a request should have been made before the indictment, adding that only the High Court could now order a transfer.
As the hearing continued, Mazari informed the court that her lawyer had withdrawn the power of attorney. The judge directed that the counsel personally confirm this in court. Chattha told the court that his lawyer was on the way and asked for more time, prompting another brief adjournment.
However, neither Mazari nor Chattha appeared by the end of the court’s working hours. The judge issued show-cause notices to both and ordered their non-bailable arrest warrants, observing that their conduct showed deliberate avoidance of court proceedings. Three prosecution witnesses remained present in court. The next hearing was scheduled for tomorrow.