IHCBA denies role in arrest of advocates Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chatha

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) on Thursday denied any involvement in the arrest of advocates Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha.

In a statement, IHCBA Secretary Manzoor Jaja said remarks suggesting the Bar’s role in the arrests were “completely baseless” and regrettable, particularly coming from a judge who previously served as the Bar’s president.

Jaja emphasized that the High Court Bar manages its affairs according to law and the Constitution, consistently supporting its members. He noted that the cases of Mazari and Chatha were given priority by Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Justice Sarfaraz Dogar.

Both lawyers were present at the High Court Bar office for two days, during which Justice Azam Khan granted interim bail and provided relief in ongoing Sessions Court proceedings at the request of the Bar. The Secretary added that the Bar prevented the police from taking action and organised a protest rally to resist the arrests.

Jaja further stated that the High Court Bar, alongside the District Bar and Islamabad Bar Council, ensured the lawyers’ cases were managed appropriately and that no unlawful action was taken against them.