Islamabad Court Set to Hear Barrier Case Against Imaan Mazari Today

ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in the federal capital is scheduled to resume hearing today in the high-profile case registered against prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, advocate Hadi Ali Chatha, over their alleged involvement in removing official security barriers.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at the local police station, the couple was booked following an incident in which they allegedly engaged in an altercation with security officials and forcibly dismantled traffic barricades placed for high-level security protocols. Authorities charged both individuals under several provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including section 186 for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions and section 353 for assault or criminal force to deter a public servant.

The defense team has consistently repudiated the prosecution’s claims, characterizing the case as a form of judicial harassment targeted at vocal legal activists. Counsel for Mazari and Chatha maintained that the placement of security barricades was executed without prior public warning, resulting in widespread traffic gridlock and causing immense hardship to everyday commuters. Rights organizations and local bar associations have been closely following the legal developments, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard due process and defend fundamental liberties.

During today’s court session, the presiding magistrate is expected to hear arguments regarding the progress of the police investigation, process pending bail or trial applications, and assess the evidence presented by the prosecution. Legal observers anticipate that the court will outline the timeline for the formal framing of charges or determine further dates for the submission of complete case records.