ISLAMABAD: In an incident related to controversial speech against state institutions, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad ordered the 14-day judicial remand detention of human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir in Adiala Jail. They are facing multiple charges ranging from sedition to causing damage to public property in connection with the PTM rally.
The legal action was initiated after two first information reports (FIRs) were filed against Imaan and Wazir on August 19 at the Tarnol police station and the Counter-Terrorism Department police station. The charges include sedition, obstructing government officials from performing their duties, and causing damage to public property, all of which are connected to a PTM rally in the capital city.
During the court proceedings, Imaan and Wazir were presented before ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain following a three-day physical remand. The prosecutor informed the court that voice matching and photogrammetry analysis for both had been completed. He requested an extension of their physical remand.
The investigating officer additionally mentioned that Imaan had used a piece of paper to deliver her speech. He stressed that she needs to be questioned about the origin of that paper. Judge Zulqarnain emphasized that decisions would be made based on justice alone, ensuring that due process was upheld.
Imaan’s legal representative, Safai Zainab Janjua, urged the court to consider her client’s bail plea during the hearing. The judge responded that the bail plea could not be addressed at the moment. He responded that a hearing would be scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
The ATC judge allowed Imaan to meet her mother, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, in the courtroom. He also summoned both parties to appear on August 26 for the hearing of Imaan’s bail application.
In a separate case involving “interference in state affairs” and damaging public property, Ali Wazir was granted bail by a district and sessions court in Islamabad. However, he was subsequently sent to jail for a 14-day judicial remand. This case also stemmed from a PTM rally held in Islamabad.
