ISLAMABAD: Lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking the transfer of their controversial tweets case, alleging that proceedings before Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka lack transparency.
The petition was filed as the District and Sessions Court held what was expected to be the final hearing in the case. During the proceedings, Mazari reportedly told the judge with a smile, “Give me the sentence of seven years, I am ready.” Judge Majoka did not respond.
At the hearing, the state counsel submitted final written arguments. Chattha, who is representing himself, filed an application seeking the submission of a statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code — a formal opportunity for the accused to respond to the evidence presented against them. He also submitted a list of witnesses, suggesting they could testify online if required.
Chattha argued that during cross-examination, the state counsel had received a questionnaire containing 33 questions. “I did not rely upon it,” he said, adding that he and Mazari had asked for time to respond. The court maintained no such request had been made. Chattha further claimed the 342 response submitted by the state did not belong to them.
He complained that they were not given a copy of the order requested a day earlier, and said the case had been heard five times, during which three of their applications were dismissed.
The court issued notices to the prosecutor regarding Chattha’s application.
District Bar President Naeem Gujar, Islamabad Bar member Raja Aleem Abbasi, and former High Court Bar President Riyasat Ali Azad were present during the hearing. Lawyers in the courtroom reportedly began chanting slogans, prompting Judge Majoka to leave the courtroom.
The hearing was adjourned until Monday.
