Lawyers boycott anti-terrorism court hearing over witness testimony procedure
Human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha boycotted an anti-terrorism court session in Islamabad on Wednesday after the judge recorded prosecution witness statements without allowing them to meet their clients.
Court proceeds without accused present
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra recorded the testimonies of three prosecution witnesses despite the defence team's request to postpone the exercise. The hearing was adjourned until Thursday after the court staff confirmed that jail authorities planned to produce the accused via video link instead of physically.
Defence counsel blocked from meeting clients
Counsel Eemal Khan Mandokhail stated he visited Adiala Jail but could not meet Imaan and Hadi because designated roads were blocked. He explained that Tuesday was a specific day reserved for meetings with lawyers representing PTI founder Imran Khan, which complicated access to the jail.
Family members also absent from court
Shireen Mazari, the mother of Imaan Mazari, joined her daughter and husband in boycotting the proceedings and leaving the courtroom. The case was originally registered on October 29, 2023, following allegations that the couple removed road barriers during a cricket team visit.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Business Recorder
- Dawn
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.