“Obtain a House Search Warrant and Arrest Them,” Court Expresses Anger Over Non-Arrest of Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha

Islamabad: The District and Sessions Courts in Islamabad on Monday heard a case related to an alleged controversial tweet involving Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, during which the court expressed strong displeasure over the failure to arrest the accused.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing. The court noted that despite clear directions, Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha had not yet been arrested. Expressing anger, the judge remarked that authorities should obtain a house search warrant from a magistrate and ensure the arrest of the accused, directing that they be produced before the court by 11:00 am.

The court adjourned the proceedings until 11:00 am. After the break, officials from the NCC FIA, police authorities, and special prosecutors appeared before the court but were still unable to execute the arrest warrants. The NCC FIA and police sought additional time to submit a compliance report.

Judge Majoka warned that action would be taken against officials if an unsatisfactory report was submitted, directing the NCC FIA and police to file a detailed report regarding the warrants by 2:00 pm. The hearing was adjourned until then.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court granted one-day protective bail to Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, restraining authorities from arresting them until the following day.

Justice Azam Khan heard the petitions, during which advocate Kamran Murtaza argued that bail had already been cancelled twice and that arrest orders had been issued. He maintained that even if a lawyer commits an error, a judge should exercise patience. He further stated that the trial court was conducting hearings every 15 minutes, adding that Iman Mazari is a woman and unwell. He emphasized the high stature and responsibility of judges, saying that after Allah Almighty, judges hold an important position.

The case remains under hearing, with further proceedings expected following the submission of reports by the law enforcement agencies.