ATC Warns Imaan Hazir-Mazari and Husband of Verdict Without Testimony

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has issued a stern warning to human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Hazir-Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, stating that a verdict in their security breach case could be delivered even in the absence of their testimony. The couple declined to record their statements during a hearing at Adiala Jail on Saturday, prompting ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra to remind them of their legal obligations.

During the proceedings, Judge Sipra emphasized that the recording of statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is a direct interaction between the court and the accused. Hadi Ali Chattha requested that the state counsel be allowed to record their statements on their behalf, but the judge firmly rejected this request, insisting that the couple must personally respond.

This case has drawn significant attention due to the couple’s prominent roles in human rights advocacy. Their refusal to testify raises questions about the implications for legal accountability and the broader context of civil liberties in Pakistan. Observers are concerned that a verdict without their input could set a troubling precedent for future cases involving human rights defenders.

The court has adjourned the case until Monday, October 26, urging the couple to reconsider their decision. The defense team is also seeking a delay in the verdict pending a ruling from the Islamabad High Court regarding a transfer plea, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.