Court cancels warrants for Imaan, Hadi in tweets case

The Additional District and Sessions Court on Thursday heard the case against human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and activist Hadi Ali Chattha over their controversial tweets. The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka.

Both Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court, where Advocate Samiullah Wazir submitted the power of attorney on behalf of Chattha. During the proceedings, the court canceled the non-bailable arrest warrants earlier issued against the two accused.

Read: Repeated adjournments mar Imaan, Hadi trial proceedings

Seeking more time to engage legal representation, Mazari requested the court to allow her to appoint her lawyer. Judge Majoka directed her to submit her counsel’s power of attorney by Saturday. Mazari expressed concern over the pace of the proceedings, saying the rapid handling of the case was violating their rights. “We are being punished for speaking the truth,” she told the court, further requesting that the charges be formally read out.

Responding to her remarks, Judge Majoka said the court had already read the charges three times in the presence of lawyers.

Read More: Imaan Mazari's husband arrested in 'controversial' tweet case

Chattha, meanwhile, told the court that his lawyer had arrived and requested that the state counsel be withdrawn. Judge Majoka clarified that the court had not appointed the state counsel, adding that only the committee responsible for the appointment could remove them. He instructed that arguments on the matter of the state counsel be presented on Saturday, after which the court would make a decision.

The court then adjourned further proceedings until Saturday.