Islamabad, November 27, 2025 – Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, on Thursday strongly objected to the abrupt replacement of their court-appointed defence counsel in an ongoing case, raising serious questions about due process.
During Thursday’s hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, Advocate Taimur Janjua appeared claiming he had been newly appointed at state expense. However, neither the court nor the couple had been formally informed of the change that followed the dramatic withdrawal of previous counsel, Advocate Shakeel Jatt.On Tuesday, Jatt had openly refused to conduct a cross-examination, telling the court he could not ask “15 dictated questions” and that his conscience did not permit it. He then sought removal from the case.
🚨🚨#BREAKING: State appointed counsel for @ImaanZHazir and @AdvHadiali in a bombshell revelation before the court of ADSJ Afzal Majoka that he has not been given the case file/brief and get “dictation” of 20 questions for cross examination (everybody know who dictates) and his… pic.twitter.com/xLQAsQ98LB
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) November 25, 2025
Mazari questioned the “sudden disappearance” of Jatt and demanded to know who authorised the fresh appointment and through what procedure. “We never expressed lack of confidence in Advocate Jatt,” she told the bench, requesting that her and Chattha’s statements be recorded.
Chattha asked the court to summon Jatt for clarification, but the prosecution opposed the move. Judge Majoka granted the couple time until 1:30 pm to consult the newly appointed lawyer.
The case has already seen multiple delays and procedural controversies since the couple’s indictment on October 30. Authorities maintain all appointments followed proper legal channels.
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