The Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) has decreed a 14-day judicial remand for human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir. This decision comes following allegations of a seditious speech against state institutions. They were both previously implicated in two First Information Reports (FIRs) after a PTM rally in Islamabad. The duo faced charges ranging from sedition to damaging public property. During their most recent court appearance, ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain oversaw the proceedings.
The prosecution stated that both Mazari and Wazir had completed voice matching and photogrammetry. The focus of the interrogation seems to be the origin of the speech given by Imaan, which she allegedly read from a provided piece of paper.
Read: Islamabad ATC Grants Three-Day Remand for PTM Leader and Lawyer Imaan Mazari
Details of the FIR
The FIR related to the interference in state affairs was lodged by Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Miam Mohammad Imran post the PTM rally. It outlined several violations, including rioting, unlawful assembly, and obstructing public servants. The complaint narrated that the PTM rally participants, armed with batons, confronted the police and blocked lanes. This led to clashes and property damage, including nearby shops. When PTM leaders were confronted to clear the area, the police were reportedly met with aggression and threats.