Pakistan court grants one-day protective bail to lawyer Imaan Mazari, husband

A Pakistani court granted one-day protective bail on Monday to human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, temporarily shielding the husband-wife duo from arrest in a case linked to alleged controversial social media posts.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered that Mazari and Chatha not be arrested until Tuesday, directing both to appear before the relevant trial court. Justice Azam Khan issued the order while hearing petitions filed by the pair seeking protection from arrest after a lower court cancelled their interim bail.

During the hearing, senior lawyer Kamran Murtaza, representing the petitioners, told the court that their bail had been revoked twice and that arrest orders had already been issued by a sessions court. He urged the judge to exercise restraint, arguing that even in cases of alleged misconduct by lawyers, courts should proceed with patience and judicial balance.

Murtaza also raised concerns over what he described as irregular trial court proceedings, saying the presiding judge resumed hearings shortly after a brief recess. He added that Mazari, a prominent rights lawyer, was unwell and asked the court to consider her medical condition.

After hearing arguments, the IHC ruled that Mazari and Chatha must appear before the trial court on Tuesday and extended protection from arrest until then. The high court adjourned further proceedings to the following day.

A sessions court in Islamabad last week ordered the arrest of Mazari and Chatha in connection with the case. Judge Afzal Majoka instructed police to arrest the two within 24 hours, saying their physical presence inside or outside Pakistan was irrelevant.

The same court on Saturday reissued non-bailable arrest warrants against the two and adjourned the hearing in the case until Jan. 19. The matter remains under judicial scrutiny.

Mazari, known for her activism and legal advocacy, and Chatha have been facing multiple legal proceedings in Islamabad after their interim bail was cancelled by the trial court. Their case has drawn attention from legal and human rights circles, with concerns raised about due process, judicial conduct, and the treatment of lawyers during court proceedings.