IHC Hears Controversial Tweets Case; Lawyers Raise Concerns Over Fair Trial

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday heard a petition filed by Advocate Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha challenging an order of the trial court in the controversial tweets case.

Justice Azam Khan presided over the hearing, while Imaan Mazari, Hadi Ali Chattha, Islamabad Bar Council members Raja Aleem Abbasi and Zafar Khokhar, along with several lawyers, appeared before the court.

During the proceedings, lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad argued that the trial was not being conducted transparently, stating that witness statements were recorded in the absence of the accused — a violation of the fundamental principles of a fair trial. He contended that the trial court was not ensuring the defendants’ right to a fair and just process.

When the court asked about the proceedings conducted on November 24, Hadi Ali Chattha responded that he had requested the court to record witness testimonies in the presence of the accused, but the application was dismissed.

The lawyers maintained that trial proceedings cannot continue when the accused has been granted a one-day exemption, whereas proceedings may continue under a permanent exemption with the presence of a pleader. Justice Azam Khan asked the lawyers to explain under which law a trial cannot proceed during a single-day exemption.

The petitioners requested the high court to halt the ongoing trial court proceedings. The judge remarked that the matter would be reviewed and an order would be issued accordingly.

The court then adjourned the hearing to a later date.