Riasat Ali Azad highlights fair trial as witness statements were recorded in the absence of the accused
Lawyer Imaan Mazari. Photo:
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 re-record the statements of all witnesses within three days in the controversial social media tweets case.
IHC judge Azam Khan issued the directions while hearing a petition challenging the trial court’s proceedings on November 19, when the testimonies of all prosecution witnesses had been recorded. The judge pointed out that the order to take statements again was issued without touching on the merits of the case.
The court observed that the Supreme Court had ordered an early decision on the matter and directed that both sides be heard before a final judgment. “All the records are before the court; a decision can be taken,” said Deputy Attorney General Raja Zameer-ud-Deen.
Read: The court rejects the request to suspend 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
The case, registered on August 12, 2025, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, reached the Islamabad High Court after the trial court proceedings on November 19, when the testimonies of all the prosecution witnesses were recorded. Mazari and Chattha have questioned procedural irregularities, including recording of evidence in their absence and appointment of state-appointed lawyers without their consent, prompting the IHC’s intervention.
Senior advocate Faisal Siddiqui submitted his power of attorney and will present his arguments in the next hearing. Former Chief Justice of the High Court Riyasat Ali Azad, representing the accused, emphasized that Mazari and Chattha have the 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 his defense counsel, questioning the reliability of said testimonies.
The court noted that there are certain exemptions in trials to ensure that proceedings are not influenced. Justice Azam Khan asked if there was any advocate present as Mazari was not in court. Hadi Ali Chattha confirmed that no defender had been appointed and that the lawyer was also absent. Lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad added that Mazari had requested a postponement due to illness.
Read more: Mazari and her husband seek transfer of case due to bias
The Deputy Attorney General responded that repeated requests for adjournments were causing delays, while lawyer Aleem Abbasi argued that any testimony recorded in the absence of the accused or his lawyer would be illegal.
The court asked how long it would take to re-record the statements. Advocate Siddiqui said arguments on merits required more time, but Justice Azam Khan clarified that the court was not proceeding to merits at this stage and directed the trial court to re-record all statements with the consent of both parties.
