ISLAMABAD, October 29, 2024/: Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali, were remanded for three days by an Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday, following their arrest for allegedly creating a security risk during an international cricket team’s visit.
The couple was taken into custody by the Islamabad police a day earlier for reportedly removing road barriers essential for the security of the England cricket team, which is currently in Pakistan for a Test series.
Imaan’s mother, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, was present in court during the proceedings.
ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the case, with lawyers Attaullah Kundi and Qaiser Imam representing the couple.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed requested a 30-day remand, arguing that the couple’s actions interfered with state duties. After considering arguments from both sides, the judge approved a three-day remand instead.
Naveed stated that Imaan had allegedly confronted police while attempting to remove the barriers, claiming she said, “I am Imaan Mazari, the road is not your father’s.” He further alleged that Hadi Ali assaulted a traffic constable who tried to restore the barriers.
In defense, Kundi argued that Imaan was in a hurry to attend a court hearing for her client and claimed the police had struck her with the barrier, as noted in a medical report. He asserted that the case warranted charges of obstructing state duties rather than terrorism.
Judge Zulqarnain questioned the prosecutor about the basis for invoking terrorism laws, pointing out that the prosecution was merely reading the FIR’s contents. The prosecutor insisted that the couple’s actions posed a significant security risk, citing the need to protect state guests.
After deliberation, the judge announced the approval of a three-day physical remand for Imaan and Hadi, allowing the prosecution to conduct further investigations.