Mazari was accused of ‘anti-state’ 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 archive
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 non-bailable arrest warrants against him for failing to appear in the hearing of a controversial tweeting case.
During the proceedings, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka issued the orders and directed the authorities to arrest and produce Chattha before the court, also ordering cancellation of his bail.
The judge commented that it appeared that the accused had not submitted the required sureties, and directed the investigation officer to ensure immediate arrest of Chattha and his production before the court.
Shortly after the order was issued, Chattha arrived at the courtroom, but the judge informed him that since the orders had already been issued, he had to appear the next day.
my husband @AdvHadiali He has been arrested because Judge Majoka insists on committing misconduct. Hadi appeared in court today and despite his appearance, the judge ordered his arrest. pic.twitter.com/oon3pF20RR
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) October 29, 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 initially scheduled for 11:30 a.m., but the defendant did not show up, leading to an adjournment until 2:00 p.m.
“These individuals are deliberately employing delaying tactics to stop the trial,” Rana told reporters, adding that the arrest warrants were issued at the request of the prosecution. He further alleged that the accused had in the past made statements and tweets in support of banned organisations, but expressed hope that justice would prevail in the case.
Speaking to media outside the courtroom before his arrest, Chattha expressed frustration with the court’s handling of the matter, alleging that the judge had remained inside his courtroom despite multiple calls for hearings.
“The court held three hearings since morning; Imaan kept appearing and I also arrived before three in the afternoon, but the judge did not come out of his chamber,” Chatha said. “The judge is giving orders from his courtroom, which is misconduct. I told the staff that I am ready for the hearing, but the judge said he would issue orders instead.”
Shortly thereafter, NCCIA officials detained Chatha outside the courtroom pursuant to court orders.
It is pertinent to mention that Mazari is a co-accused in the same case, which stems from tweets she posted on X that were described as “controversial” and “anti-state.” Chattha was later included in the investigation for retweeting those posts.
