A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Thursday cancelled the bail of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case linked to a controversial social media post.
Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka revoked the bail of both accused and ordered their immediate arrest and production before the court. The judge also terminated their right to cross-examination and announced that statements under Section 342 would be recorded on Friday.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency registered the case against Mazari and Chattha under Sections 9, 10, 11, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016. The court indicted both accused on October 30.
During Thursday’s hearing, Mazari did not appear before the court. Her counsel sought an exemption from appearance, citing medical grounds. The judge expressed strong displeasure and said the court would consider the exemption request at a later date.
🚨🚨#BREAKING: In an unusual development, additional district & session judge Afzal Majoka cancelled bail of @ImaanZHazir (who is suffering from severe flu and seeks adjournment on medical grounds) and @AdvHadiali and ordered to arrest/present them before court at 1:30pm today. pic.twitter.com/oWLsKH4Bo6
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) January 15, 2026Judge Majoka warned that the court would forfeit the right to cross-examination if the accused failed to appear. The court then adjourned proceedings briefly.
After the hearing resumed, neither Mazari nor Chattha appeared before the court. Defence counsel told the court that Mazari wanted to personally cross-examine the prosecution witness, Shehroz, at the next hearing. The judge responded that the court must complete the cross-examination without delay or terminate that right.
President of the Islamabad District Bar Association, Chaudhry Naeem Gujjar, appeared before the court and requested that the next hearing be scheduled for Monday. He assured the court that the defence would not seek further adjournments.
The prosecution opposed the request. Prosecutor Rana Usman urged the court to administer the oath to the witness and begin cross-examination immediately.
The disagreement prompted a sharp exchange between the bar association president and the prosecutor in the courtroom. As tensions escalated, the judge rose from the bench and retired to his chamber.
