ISLAMABAD: Lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, on Friday approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to challenge arrest warrants issued against them in a case related to disputed social media content.
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In their petition, the couple contended that the trial court had restricted their right to defend themselves, issued warrants without meeting mandatory legal standards, and ordered judicial custody along with virtual production in an unlawful manner. They requested the IHC to declare the January 15 order null and void and to restrain law enforcement agencies from carrying out their arrest.
Earlier, an Islamabad district and sessions court reiterated its directive for their arrest within 24 hours. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the police and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to execute earlier warrants, warning that contempt proceedings could follow non-compliance.
During the hearing, the judge questioned officials about the continued absence of the accused and summoned senior officers, including the DIG Islamabad Police and FIA representatives, to explain the delay. The public prosecutor submitted responses under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code on behalf of the accused.
After a brief recess, DIG Islamabad Police Jawad Tariq appeared and assured the court that the warrants would be enforced. The judge directed that the accused be arrested “from anywhere” and produced within the stipulated time, emphasizing that failure would trigger legal consequences.
Later, the NCCIA director informed the court that a special team had been constituted but the accused were not found at their listed addresses. The court ordered that only senior officers be assigned the task and issued fresh warrants, instructing authorities to arrest and present the accused via video link. The matter was adjourned till Saturday.
In its written order, the court observed that the accused appeared to be deliberately evading arrest and granted law enforcement agencies a final 24-hour window to comply.
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