ATC sentences Imaan Mazari, Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years each in barrier removal case

 

 

RAWALPINDI, October 29, 2026: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to 10 years in prison each in a case involving the alleged removal of security barriers and interference with official duties. <Cite refs={["turn417073search1","turn417073news12"]}/>

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra announced the verdict at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after the conclusion of the trial and final arguments.

According to reports, the case relates to allegations that the couple disrupted security arrangements for an international cricket team's visit in October 2024. The prosecution presented seven witnesses during the proceedings.

The court imposed sentences under three legal provisions. Although the combined terms totalled 13 years, the benefit of Section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure was granted, resulting in 10 years to be served by each defendant, according to the reported verdict. Fines were also imposed. <Cite refs={["turn417073search0","turn417073search6"]}/>

Before the verdict, defence counsel had requested that the announcement be postponed until pending petitions before the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court were decided. The defence argued that legal challenges to the trial proceedings remained unresolved.

Mazari and Chattha have denied the allegations and challenged aspects of the case, including the legality of the proceedings and the circumstances surrounding the road closure. Their position forms part of the ongoing legal dispute.

The verdict is expected to become another major development in the couple's legal proceedings, with further challenges before higher courts possible.

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