Relief for Imaan Mazari, Hadi as IHC suspends arrest warrants

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued by a trial court against human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari Advocate and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, while also restoring their right of defence in the case.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the relief came days after a trial court in the federal capital had declared its decision to cancel the couple’s bail in the controversial tweets case as irrevocable and ordered their arrest. 

On January 17, 2025, the trial court reissued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, despite the defence informing the court that the matter had already been challenged before the Islamabad High Court.

According to 24NewsHD TV channel, defence counsel Riasat Ali Azad had requested the trial court to revoke the bail cancellation order, arguing that the issue was sub judice before the high court. 

However, the trial court declined the request, observing that it could only revisit its decision if the Islamabad High Court issued a ruling by Monday.

In a written order authored by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, the trial court stated that although non-bailable arrest warrants had been issued, the couple could not be apprehended as they were allegedly in hiding and unwilling to surrender to law enforcement agencies.

 The judge directed the police and the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to arrest the couple and produce them before the court.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiani