ATC records testimonies in Imaan case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday recorded the statements of three prosecution witnesses in a case filed against lawyers Imaan Mazari and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha after their counsels boycotted the proceedings.

When ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra resumed hearing the case, he was informed that Imaan and Hadi could not be produced from jail despite explicit directions.

One of the couple's lawyers, Advocate Aimal Khan, requested the court to ensure the personal appearance of Imaan and Hadi.

Judge Sipra observed that the court had clearly ordered their production, directing appearance through video link if physical production was not possible.

After a brief adjournment, both accused were presented through video link. The defence counsel sought an adjournment of proceedings on their application challenging the anti-terrorism provisions invoked in the case.

Advocate Zainab Janjua, who represents the couple, told the court that the indictment of Imaan and Hadi in the case had been challenged before the Islamabad High Court and the petition was scheduled for hearing on Monday. She requested that proceedings in the trial court not be advanced until the high court took up the matter.