IHC Issues Notices to NCCIA on Mazari-Hazir and Chattha’s Appeals

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard appeals filed by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha on Thursday. The couple, who had been handed a total of 17 years in jail for multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), appeared before Justice Muhammad Asif. He directed that notices be issued to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and instructed them to provide their response.

The IHC adjourned further proceedings, noting they would set a date for the next hearing. On January 24, Imaan and Hadi were convicted by a sessions court in Islamabad. Their sentences included 10 years under Peca’s Section 10 (cyberterrorism), five years under Section 9 (glorification of an offence) and two years under Section 26-A (false and fake information).

Appearing on behalf of the appellants, Faisal Siddiqui, along with Zainab Janjua, argued that due process had been compromised. They contended that the trial court rendered its verdict while a transfer application was still pending before the IHC. The judge agreed to issue notices and direct that paper books be prepared.

Siddiqui requested an early date for the hearing of their applications seeking suspension of sentence. He stressed that despite punishment potentially being awarded ten times over, a fair trial must first take place. Justice Asif observed that such dates would be fixed.

The IHC also issued additional notices to the NCCIA and sought its reply before adjourning the matter indefinitely. The agency’s response remains pending as of now.

On February 7, Imaan and Hadi challenged the trial court’s order convicting them, arguing that their case had been handled unlawfully due to an ongoing transfer application. They also cited concerns raised by organizations like the United Nations Human Rights Office, a team of UN special rapporteurs, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), and an EU official.

The NCCIA complaint alleged that Imaan Mazari disseminated narratives aligning with hostile terrorist groups and proscribed organizations, while her husband, Hadi Chattha, reposted some of her posts. They were accused of holding security forces responsible for missing persons cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, portraying the armed forces as ineffective against banned outfits such as the BLA and TTP.

Judge Majoka issued arrest warrants on November 5, 2025. A court-appointed lawyer refused to cross-examine prosecution witnesses on January 14, citing a directive that prevented him from asking questions he deemed inappropriate. The couple was appointed a new lawyer by the court, but repeated non-appearances and multiple hearings saw their interim bail cancelled days later.

Recently, they challenged their arrest orders before the IHC.