- Tensions flar up during hearing of plea seeking Dr Mahrang Baloch’s name from ECL
- Deputy AG tells court cabinet approval required for Mahrung Baloch’s removal from ECL
- Mazari asserts free speech rights, insists personal views shouldn’t affect case
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) witnessed a heated exchange on Thursday during the hearing of a petition seeking removal of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL).
Tensions flared when Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar reprimanded the petitioner’s counsel, advocate Imaan Mazari, over her prior remarks outside court. “You should keep your mouth shut and stay within the limits of respect,” the CJ remarked, alluding to Mazari’s alleged reference to him as a “dictator.” He declined to issue directives on the matter and warned the lawyer of possible contempt proceedings.
The courtroom grew more tense when Justice Dogar added, “Ms. Mazari will go downstairs and hold a programme saying a dictator is sitting in court,” before turning to her husband and fellow lawyer, advocate Hadi Ali Chatta, saying: “Hadi sahib, explain it to her… if I catch her someday…”
Earlier, Deputy Attorney General Arshad Kayani informed the court that cabinet approval would be required before any decision could be made regarding Mahrang’s removal from the ECL.
Mazari, however, stood her ground, stressing that her personal opinions were protected under free speech and should not affect her client’s case. “I am here with a legal brief, not in a personal capacity,” she told the bench, insisting that the court was “threatening” lawyers. “Go ahead with contempt proceedings,” she added.
Later, Mazari reiterated on X that she had appeared before the court strictly in a professional capacity and not as “activist Imaan Mazari.” She urged that “Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s case should not suffer because of any grievances a judge may have with her lawyer over the right to freedom of expression in a personal capacity.”
It is important for CJ IHC to understand that i am not activist Imaan Mazari in his Court, i am a lawyer holding a brief for my client and conduct myself according to professional etiquette (and a court should do the same).
Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s case should not suffer because of… https://t.co/IobrLpNs54
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) September 11, 2025
The hearing was eventually adjourned until September 16, without any substantive progress on the petition.
Mahrang Baloch’s legal battle
Dr. Mahrang Baloch is currently lodged at Hudda District Prison, Quetta, under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), a law that allows detention of individuals deemed a threat to public order.
She was arrested in March following allegations of attacking Quetta Civil Hospital and inciting unrest during a BYC protest against enforced disappearances. Initially placed on a 20-day remand by an anti-terrorism court, her detention has since been extended.
Mahrang’s name was added to the ECL in 2024, when she was stopped at the airport while traveling to the United States to attend the Time 100 Gala. Since then, she has repeatedly petitioned courts for its removal.
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