Jail trial of Imaan Mazari, Hadi Ali Chattha begins at Adiala Jail
The jail trial of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha began at Adiala Jail, as defense lawyers called it a 'secret trial' and challenged the order
Aamir Abbasi
Editor, Islamabad
Aamir; a journalist with 15 years of experience, working in Newspaper, TV and Digital Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2009 with Pakistan’s Top Media Organizations. Graduate of Quaid I Azam University Islamabad.
An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan began the jail trial of lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Friday, in two cases linked to the removal of barriers.
The defense has challenged the proceedings as a violation of their right to a fair trial.
What is the jail trial of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha?
It is a trial conducted inside Adiala Jail in two cases involving allegations related to the removal of barriers.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra heard the case at the jail on Friday, and the prosecution recorded the testimony of an additional witness.
Which cases does the jail trial cover?
The proceedings cover two cases. The first stems from FIR No. 276/2025, registered at Islamabad’s Kohsar police station on March 23, 2025, under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The second relates to FIR No. 1161/2024, registered at Aabpara police station on October 25, 2024, under multiple provisions of the penal code and the anti-terrorism law.
Why are the defense lawyers challenging the jail trial?
Defense lawyers have described the proceedings as a “secret trial” and filed applications challenging the order authorizing the trial to be conducted inside the jail. They argue that holding the proceedings behind prison walls undermines the right to a fair trial.
The defense has also questioned the authority under which the jail trial was approved, arguing that the decision should have been made by the federal cabinet rather than the commissioner. It has further maintained that the court must issue a reasoned order explaining why conducting the trial inside the jail is necessary.
What happened at the hearing and what comes next?
During Friday’s hearing, defense counsel presented arguments on the applications challenging the trial arrangement and sought an adjournment.
After hearing the arguments, the court adjourned further proceedings until Monday.
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