ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday postponed the hearing of petitions seeking suspension of sentences awarded to human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and advocate Hadi Ali Chattha until June 4 after members of the prosecution team failed to appear before the court.
The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, who expressed concern over the delay and questioned the prosecution regarding compliance with directions previously issued by the Supreme Court.
Hearing Delayed Due to Prosecution Absence
During proceedings, a representative of the special prosecution team informed the court that two prosecutors were unavailable:
- One was travelling from Lahore
- Another was engaged in proceedings before a different courtroom
Justice Azam Khan noted that he had rearranged his schedule specifically to hear the matter and criticized the delay in proceedings.
Supreme Court Timeline Discussed
The court also reviewed the Supreme Court’s earlier direction requiring the IHC to decide the sentence suspension applications within two weeks from May 12.
Justice Khan observed that the current hearing had been scheduled in light of the apex court’s instructions.
Counsel for the petitioners, senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqi, opposed any further postponements and urged the court to ensure that additional delays were avoided.
Following consultations with both sides, the court fixed the next hearing for June 4.
Background of the Case
The case stems from social media posts and reposts published on X (formerly Twitter), which authorities alleged promoted an anti-state narrative.
The investigation was conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency under the provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
Conviction and Sentencing
In January 2026, a trial court sentenced Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha on multiple charges related to the social media posts case.
According to court records, each received:
- Five years under PECA Section 9
- Ten years under PECA Section 10
- Two years under PECA Section 26-A
The sentences included substantial financial penalties, while the court acquitted them on a separate PECA hate-speech charge.
Defence Challenges Trial Procedure
The defence has consistently argued that procedural irregularities occurred during the trial process.
Among the objections raised were:
- Recording of prosecution evidence in the absence of the accused
- Appointment of state-appointed legal counsel without consent
- Alleged violations of constitutional due process protections
The petitioners have argued that the trial court proceedings violated provisions of the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code.
Supreme Court Previously Approached
In March, Imaan Mazari approached the Supreme Court after her sentence suspension application was not listed for hearing before the IHC.
The apex court later directed that the matter be heard expeditiously, leading to the current proceedings before the Islamabad High Court.
Additional Legal Challenges
The couple also faces other legal proceedings.
According to court documents, additional FIRs were registered against them during the course of the social media case, including one connected to a protest linked to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.
They were arrested in January and have remained in custody since then.
Analysis: Key Hearing Ahead
The June 4 hearing could prove significant because it will determine whether the court considers suspending the sentences while appeals are pending.
Legal observers note that the case has attracted attention due to:
- Free speech concerns
- Application of cybercrime laws
- Due process questions
- Broader debates regarding digital expression and state institutions
The Islamabad High Court’s decision on the suspension pleas may influence the next phase of the legal proceedings and determine whether the couple remains incarcerated while challenging their convictions.
