RAWALPINDI: Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each in a case involving allegations of removing security barriers on a route designated for an international cricket team in Islamabad.
The verdict was announced by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where the court had reserved its decision. The court also imposed fines on both defendants under three separate legal provisions.
The case was registered at Islamabad’s Aabpara police station on October 25, 2024, over allegations that the couple obstructed the security route of an international cricket team and incited the public.
Couple denied charges
Mazari and Chattha were indicted on October 7 and pleaded not guilty, prompting the court to begin regular trial proceedings.
Both defendants have denied the allegations and challenged the prosecution’s account of the incident. In statements recorded under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, they argued that the temporary road closure was unlawful because police had no magistrate’s order authorising it.
Mazari said she and her husband were on their way to the Anti-Terrorism Court when they encountered the road closure. She maintained that they had waited for 15 minutes before seeking permission to proceed.
The couple also alleged that police had used violence against them during the incident. Mazari said a police official had thrown an iron barrier at her, causing injuries, while Chattha maintained that he had intervened to protect his wife.
They cited medical records from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in support of their account and challenged the prosecution’s handling of video footage and other evidence.
These claims formed part of the couple’s defence and were disputed within the prosecution’s case.
State counsel represented defendants
The court appointed state counsel Atif Mahmood to represent the defendants after their legal team declined to cross-examine prosecution witnesses.
The state counsel cross-examined witnesses during the trial, while the prosecution presented seven witnesses in total.
The couple also challenged the proceedings at Adiala Jail, alleging that the arrangements had restricted their access to legal representation and undermined their right to a fair trial.
Before the verdict, both defendants were on bail in the case.
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