Imaan Mazari's husband arrested in 'controversial' tweet case

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency arrested human rights lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, husband of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari, in Islamabad after a local court issued non-bailable arrest warrants against him for failing to appear at the hearing of a controversial tweet case. During the proceedings, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka issued the warrants and directed law enforcement to arrest and present Chattha before the court, also ordering the cancellation of his bail bonds. The judge remarked that it appeared the accused had not submitted the required surety bonds, instructing the investigation officer to ensure Chattha’s immediate arrest and production before the court. Shortly after the order was issued, Chattha arrived in the courtroom, but the judge informed him that since the warrants had already been issued, he should appear the following day instead. My husband @AdvHadiali has been arrested because Judge Majoka is insistent on committing misconduct. Hadi appeared in court today and despite his appearance the tout judge ordered his arrest. pic.twitter.com/oon3pF20RR — Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) October 29, 2025 Following the hearing, prosecution lawyer Muhammad Usman Rana accused the court of showing “preferential treatment” to both Mazari and Chattha. He said the hearing had initially been scheduled for 11:30 am, but the accused failed to appear, prompting a postponement until 2 pm. “These individuals are deliberately employing delaying tactics to stall the trial,” Rana told reporters, adding that the arrest warrants were issued on the prosecution’s request. He further alleged that the accused had in the past made statements and tweets in support of banned organizations, but expressed hope that justice would prevail in the case. Speaking to the media outside the courtroom before his arrest, Chattha voiced frustration over the court’s handling of the matter, claiming that the judge had remained inside his chamber despite multiple hearing calls. “The court held three hearings since morning; Imaan kept appearing, and I also came before 3 pm, but the judge didn’t come out of his chamber,” Chatha said. “The judge is giving orders from his chamber, which is misconduct. I told the staff I’m ready for the hearing, but the judge said he would issue warrants instead.” A short while later, NCCIA officials detained Chatha outside the courtroom in compliance with the court’s orders. It is pertinent to mention that Mazari is a co-accused in the same case, which stems from tweets she posted on X that were described as "controversial" and "anti-state". Chattha was later included in the investigation for retweeting those posts.

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