Key Points
- SCP stays trial of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha until IHC decides their appeals
- Three-judge bench questions due process after evidence was recorded in their absence
- Hearing draws international attention with Norwegian ambassador observing proceedings
- Pakistan issues demarche, calling the ambassador’s presence a breach of diplomatic norms
- MoFA cites Vienna Convention and warns against “interference in internal matters
- Trial under PECA 2016 involved allegations of posts linked to proscribed groups
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has stayed trial proceedings against human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in a controversial social media post case, pending the outcome of their appeals before the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
A three-member bench of the SCP, comprising Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Salahuddin Panwhar, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, heard Imaan’s appeal seeking to overturn the IHC’s December 1 order, which had denied interim relief to halt the trial. The couple faces charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
The petitioners had earlier filed a criminal revision before the IHC, citing alleged due process violations, including recording of evidence in their absence. Justice Kakar noted, “We expect the IHC to decide on the fate of the petition after providing a full opportunity of hearing to both parties.”
The order suspends trial proceedings that were scheduled to resume on December 15 before Islamabad’s Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.
The couple was represented by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, while Additional Attorney General Rana Asadur Rehman opposed the appeal’s maintainability. Justice Kakar emphasized that while plaintiffs may pursue their own strategies, the court would not undermine or belittle the trial court judge.
The hearing gained international attention when Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsas attended, prompting online debate. Responding to criticism, Imaan clarified, “Diplomats routinely observe court proceedings — that is not equivalent to them taking a position on any case. This is standard practice.”
The case traces back to a complaint filed on August 12, 2025, by an assistant director at the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Islamabad, before the FIA’s Cybercrime Reporting Centre.
The complaint accused Imaan of spreading content aligned with “hostile terrorist groups and proscribed organisations,” while her husband was implicated for reposting some of her posts.
Following the courtroom attendance, Pakistan issued a diplomatic demarche to Ambassador Ilsas, citing a breach of diplomatic norms and interference in the country’s judicial affairs.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that his presence violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), specifically Article 41, which obliges diplomats to respect the laws of the host country and refrain from interfering in its internal matters.
“Court cases concerning individuals accused of anti-state actions are highly sensitive internal matters,” MoFA said, adding that the ambassador’s presence reflected a pattern of engagement with elements hostile to Pakistan.
Tahir Andrabi, MoFA spokesperson, confirmed that Ambassador Ilsas was summoned over his “unwarranted attendance” and urged Norway to observe diplomatic norms in future engagements.
The demarche underscores Pakistan’s insistence on protecting its judicial independence and sovereignty, signaling the country’s determination to resist external influence in its domestic affairs.
