ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday suspended trial proceedings against rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a case linked to controversial social media posts, ordering that the matter remain on hold until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decides their pending appeals.
A three-judge bench — headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and comprising Justice Salahuddin Panwhar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim — issued the directive while hearing Imaan’s appeal seeking to overturn the IHC’s December 1 refusal to grant interim relief.
Imaan and her husband, who face charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, had approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing after the IHC declined to stay their trial. They have also filed a criminal revision before the IHC, arguing that the proceedings violate due process, including the recording of evidence in their absence.
During Thursday’s hearing, Justice Kakar remarked that the IHC was expected to decide the petition after providing both sides a full opportunity to be heard. The Supreme Court’s order effectively pauses the trial, which was set to resume on December 15 before Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.
Senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqi represented the petitioners, while Additional Attorney General Rana Asadur Rehman opposed the appeal’s maintainability.
Justice Kakar also noted that while litigants often choose their own strategies, the Supreme Court would not undermine the authority of the trial court.
Separately, the presence of Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsas in the courtroom drew attention online. Responding to criticism that it violated diplomatic norms, Imaan said diplomats routinely observe court proceedings and that such presence does not amount to taking a stance on any case.
The case originates from an August 12, 2025 complaint filed by the assistant director of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), alleging that Imaan propagated narratives aligned with hostile and proscribed groups. Her husband was accused of resharing some of her posts.
