Lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have asked the Islamabad High Court to move their case to a different judge, saying the current one, Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, isn’t being transparent.
They filed their petition in the middle of the final hearing related to their controversial tweets at the District and Sessions Court. During the session, Mazari reportedly told Judge Majoka with a smile, “Give me the sentence of seven years, I am ready.” But the judge stayed silent.
During the proceedings, the state counsel handed in his final written arguments. Chattha, who’s representing himself, put forward an application to give his statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He explained this statement is basically the accused’s version of events and handed in a list of witnesses they want to testify, even offering that they could do it online.
Chattha shared that when witnesses were questioned, the state counsel used a questionnaire. “I did not rely upon it,” he clarified, mentioning that the document had 33 questions—they had wanted more time to respond. But the court said no formal request for extra time was made. Chattha also claimed the state counsel’s answer under Section 342 wasn’t actually theirs.
He added that yesterday, when they asked for the order, they weren’t given a copy. Chattha pointed out that the case has been heard five times so far and that three of their applications were thrown out.
The court has now issued notices to the prosecutor about Chattha’s latest application.
The hearing drew attention from several legal heavyweights, including District Bar President Naeem Gujar, Islamabad Bar member Raja Aleem Abbasi, and former High Court Bar President Riyasat Ali Azad. Reports say some lawyers started chanting slogans in court, which led Judge Majoka to leave the room.
The case has now been adjourned until Monday.
