Islamabad — The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on January 20, 2026, reinstated the bail of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, overturning a sessions court decision to cancel it five days earlier.
The couple faced accusations of inciting linguistic divisions and portraying the armed forces as involved in terrorism through social media posts. Their bail had been cancelled by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka on January 15, prompting arrest warrants and orders for judicial custody.
BREAKING: Islamabad High Court overturns Judge Afzal Majoka’s orders against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha by restoring their bail and their right to defence. Cross examination must be completed in the next 3 days. pic.twitter.com/jSK66LJp4o
— Alifya Sohail (@AlifyaSohail) January 20, 2026
Key Highlights
- IHC reinstated the pre-existing bail for Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha on January 20, 2026, suspending the arrest warrant issued by the sessions court.
- The high court also restored the couple’s right to defence and directed them to complete cross-examination within three days.
- Defence counsel Kamran Murtaza sought one week for cross-examination; the judge said he would consider it but urged proceeding with the trial.
- On January 19, Justice Azam Khan of IHC granted the couple one-day protective bail, requiring their appearance in court the next day.
- The case stems from alleged social media posts violating PECA provisions related to incitement and defamatory content.
- Sessions court had directed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency officials to secure a search warrant and produce the accused by 11am on January 20, but IHC’s intervention paused enforcement.
- The couple challenged the sessions court orders on January 17, arguing unlawful curtailment of defence rights and procedural lapses.
- Judge Majoka had expressed displeasure over non-execution of arrest and adjourned proceedings after IHC’s protective orders.
Court Proceedings and Legal Arguments
During the January 20 hearing, the IHC judge suspended the lower court’s arrest warrant and reinstated bail, emphasizing adherence to legal requirements. The bench directed swift progress in the trial while safeguarding the accused’s right to defence — a core constitutional principle.
You May Like To Read: Six Policemen Arrested After Custodial Gang Rape Confirmed in Jacobabad
Defence counsel Kamran Murtaza highlighted repeated bail cancellations and urged judicial patience. He noted the sessions judge’s frequent hearings and the pressure on his clients. The high court’s one-day protective bail on January 19 had provided temporary relief, allowing the couple to appear without immediate arrest risk.
Background of the Case
The controversy arose from social media content allegedly breaching PECA provisions on creating disharmony and targeting state institutions. After bail cancellation on January 15, the sessions court escalated measures, including virtual production orders and directives for physical appearance. The IHC intervention ensured procedural fairness amid ongoing trial proceedings.
The case underscores the balance between digital regulation under PECA and fundamental rights to free expression and fair trial. Pakistan’s judiciary continues to uphold due process while addressing concerns over online content that may affect national harmony and institutional respect.
With bail reinstated, the couple can participate fully in their defence as the trial moves forward. The nation values judicial independence and the timely resolution of such matters in line with constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
Check out our latest video:
