After the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed about the whereabouts of missing Kashmiri poet Ahmad Farhad, his family met him at a police station in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday.
Earlier, the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that Kasmiri poet Ahmad Farhad had been found in the custody of Azad Jammu and Kashmir police.
Farhad’s wife Urooj Zainab requested the IHC to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for her husband’s disappearance.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the petition filed by Urooj Zainab, while human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari is Zainab’s counsel in the case.
A report by the DhirKot Kashmir police station was also presented before the court.
During a hearing held on May 21, the AGP assured the court of efforts on the safe recovery of the missing poet.
“[We] will do whatever it takes. [We] will rescue and recover [Farhad],” the AGP said while addressing the IHC judge and taking the responsibility to look into the matter.
However, Justice Kayani directed the AGP to make sure that “no one gets picked up from Islamabad.”
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed concerns on Monday on the use of the Supreme Court’s name in initiating action against journalist and vlogger Asad Toor, highlighting discrepancies in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
“The inquiry notice [sent to Asad Toor] stated that he is being summoned in an inquiry related to an anti-judiciary campaign whereas the FIR didn’t even mention as such,” CJP Isa said.
During a hearing of a suo motu case, a three-member Supreme Court bench, comprising CJP Isa, Justice Muhammed Ali Mazhar, and Justice Mussarat Hilali, addressed issues of journalists’ harassment over FIA summons related to the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) probe into an alleged anti-judiciary campaign.
On January 17, the then-caretaker government formed a JIT to investigate a social media campaign targeting Supreme Court judges following a verdict on the election symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, the court intervened after FIA summons were sent to journalists and prohibited action against individuals criticizing the apex court.
Despite the court’s intervention, Toor was arrested by the FIA on February 26 in connection with the alleged smear campaign against the Supreme Court and CJP and is currently in custody.
During the hearing, Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, representing the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS) and the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA), informed the court of Toor’s incarceration.
The CJP questioned the reasons behind Toor’s imprisonment, prompting the lawyer to refer to the FIR against the journalist and request the court to invalidate the government’s notification forming the JIT.
CJP Isa raised concerns about the charges in the FIR against Toor, particularly those related to sensitive information, questioning their relevance and applicability.
Highlighting the discrepancies in the FIA’s notice and the FIR against Toor, CJP Isa said: “Neither any SC judge nor the registrar had filed any complaint to the FIA”.
“The officials of FIA are bringing disrepute to the judiciary,” the chief justice observed while lamenting the prospects of the judiciary’s image being tarnished before the public.
“Why shouldn’t we send a notice to the FIA for contempt of court?” he questioned.
Furthermore, the top judge admonished the Inspector General Police (IGP) Islamabad for failing to make progress in apprehending suspects despite video evidence, hinting at the possibility of the IGP’s dismissal for inadequate performance.
Journalist and vlogger Asad Toor has initiated a hunger strike following his detention by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges related to his social media activities.
Toor’s lawyer, Hadi Ali Chatta, disclosed on Thursday that the vlogger has abstained from eating since the past 36 hours. The update on Toor’s health came after his mother was permitted to visit him on court orders at the FIA office.
“@AsadAToor specifically told me that he is not being asked any questions regarding the judiciary but is asked about his vlogs against military and questions are being asked about specific generals and vlogs against them . Questions are sent in the FIA office on a “parchi” and @AsadAToor‘s answers are also sent out thru a “parchi” . He is on hunger strike and has refused to eat anything for the last 36 hours. Last night rescue 1122 had to be called because of his deteriorating health,” wrote Hadi on X (former Twitter).
@AsadAToor specifically told me that he is not being asked any questions regarding the judiciary but is asked about his vlogs against military and questions are being asked about specific generals and vlogs against them . Questions are sent in the FIA office on a “parchi” and https://t.co/Jl6Thmw3Wf
Concerns about Toor’s well-being escalated when he fell ill last night, prompting the FIA to call in rescue personnel. However, despite his deteriorating health, Toor has not been questioned about the alleged anti-judiciary campaign but rather about his vlogs concerning other individuals, as indicated by his legal representation.
Imaan Mazari, another lawyer representing Toor, emphasized that the ongoing investigation does not pertain to contempt of judges.
“On court order, counsels & @AsadAToor’s mother were allowed to meet him today in FIA CCRC Isb. He is on hunger strike and though his spirits are high, he is physically very weak. We are very concerned abt his health. Not a single q in investigation has been on subject of enquiry,” wrote Imaan on X (former Twitter).
The situation unfolded further on Tuesday when Judicial Magistrate Islamabad Muhammad Shabbir remanded the vlogger into custody for five days, with a directive for the agency to present him again on March 3, 2024.
During the hearing, Toor, identifying himself as a journalist, refused to surrender his mobile phone. He asserted that he had appeared before the FIA twice and had received the notice on February 24. Moreover, he mentioned that he had challenged the call-up notice in the high court and arrived at the FIA office with the court’s order on February 26 to inquire about the FIR and the allegations against him.
The FIR against Toor alleges that he conducted a malicious campaign against the judiciary on social media platforms, specifically X and YouTube, fueling anti-state activities. Consequently, he has been booked under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
Toor’s detention and subsequent hunger strike have sparked concerns among human rights advocates and journalists regarding freedom of expression and press freedom in Pakistan.
Daughter of former federal minister Shireen Mazari, Imaan Zainab Mazaari Hazir, recently married the love of her life Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha, in a ceremony in Islamabad.
Have you searched on Google who is Imaan Mazari’s husband?
Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha is the Vice Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Punjab Bar Council and Founder of Fair Trial Defenders Legal Aid Cell.
Well, we got a chance to talk with him and as a Multani, I am filled with happiness and joy that Imaan married someone who was born and raised on a farm (Pind) in Multan.
Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha did his O levels and A levels from Beaconhouse and went to Newcastle University UK for LLB Hons.
He takes pride in being a Multani and honestly, so do I.
When asked when the couple first met, Hadi said, “We first met in F-8 Katcheri because I was there for a client and got introduced to Imaan. We appeared in court together for that case.”
He started working at AGHS legal aid cell with the late human rights giant Asma Jehangir after coming back from the UK.
After her death, he worked at Justice Project Pakistan with Barrister Sarah Belal.
When asked why he left the U.K. or cities like Islamabad and Lahore and came back to Multan, Hadi said, “In 2018 I came back to Multan and established my legal aid cell, Fair Trial Defenders Legal Aid Cell, to give back to the people of my land. We provide free legal representation to clients who can’t afford legal expenses. We have a core team of six lawyers with my co-founder Suleman A Zeb.”
I was late but just in time also. Best wishes and congratulations to the best couple. pic.twitter.com/tYdQKq6u1I
“It’s very difficult to answer that because it’s everything about her.”
He was initially attracted because of her passion and bravery for the work she does. It’s also the side of her no one else knows, she keeps it hidden from the public eye.
Head over heels in love with Imaan, Hadi said, “I have never met anyone like her. She’s the only one of her kind.”
Since Imaan has been to jail recently, I asked him if he would go to jail for her. “I would go to jail with her. No one’s arresting my wife unless they arrest me too.”
Hadi has decided to move his practice to Islamabad, getting an office there in June 2023. “We will be living in Islamabad, serving the people in Multan through Legal Aid Cell.”
I asked if they intended to start a podcast together Hadi said nothing of the sort is happening in the near future.
Hadi has been a great support and core organizer of Aurat March Multan since 2020. He looks after all the legal matters and NOCs required.
When asked whether the couple will be seen in Aurat March Multan 2024 together, Hadi said, “Maybe one year in Islamabad March and one in Multan March. Wherever our comrades need us. “
The most thoughtful part is that they didn’t have a wedding hashtag or an extravagant wedding. “We both wanted it to be as small and intimate as possible. We feel guilty being extravagant especially because of what is happening around us with our Baloch brothers and sisters and the situation in Gaza.”
Human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari has been granted bail on Saturday by an Islamabad anti-terrorism court in a new terrorism case.
The bail has been granted three days after she was handed over to the Islamabad Police on physical remand in connection with a criminal complaint brought against her at the Barakahu police station in the federal capital.
The decision was made by ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, who granted bail to the arrested attorney with a Rs 10,000 surety bond.
Imaan and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir’s bails in a sedition case relating to contentious statement against state institutions were quickly allowed by an ATC judge. Imaan was then detained in a new terror case from outside the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered not to arrest human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari in any First Information Report (FIR) registered after August 20.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC heard the case in which Shireen Mazari, former federal minister and the mother of Imaan Mazari, submitted a request on her daughter’s behalf through her lawyers, Zainab Janjua, Salman Akram Raja and Qaisar Imam.
The Interior Secretary is to submit a report to the court detailing the number of cases that have been filed against Imaan Mazari in the country.
Earlier, On Sunday, August 20, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and former lawmaker Ali Wazir were arrested for attending the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) protest in Islamabad.
An anti-terrorism court has handed over Imaan Mazari, the daughter of former federal minister Shireen Mazari, to the police on a three-day physical remand.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abual Hasanat heard the case against Imaan Mazari in which prosecutor Raja Naveed appeared in court while Zainab Janjua appeared on behalf of Iman Mazari.
UPDATE: Anti Terrorism Court judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain grants Counter Terrorism Department 3-day physical remand of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir in the new frivolous Bara Kahu FIR related to terror-financing.#ReleaseImaanMazaripic.twitter.com/LkSxOk0YeE
During the hearing, prosecutor Raja Naveed argued that a case had been registered against Imaan Mazari in Bara Kahu police station. The plaintiff accused Imaan Mazari of inciting the youth and instigating them against the state, alleging that he received threats when he broke away from Imaan Mazari’s party.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed requested the physical remand, which was opposed by her lawyer, saying that a new case was made on the same day that Imaan was supposed to get bail. He asked how can three cases be registered on the same incident.
She said that a drama is being constructed against Imaan Mazari, while the real purpose of the prosecution against her is something else.
Imaan’s lawyers requested to discharge her from the case.
After listening to the arguments of the parties, ATC judge Abual Hasnat reserved the decision, after which she was handed over to the police on a three-day physical remand.
Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari has been arrested by the Bara Kahu police Islamabad outside Adiala Jail after getting bail from ATC this morning. According to her lawyer, no new FIR or arrest warrant has been shared with them.
What a disgrace! As you all know by now, @ImaanZHazir has been rearrested on terrorism charges by the @ICT_Police from outside Adhilya Jail. Bara Kahu police has taken custody of Imaan & have refused to share any FIR with us nor have they shared any arrest warrants with us. pic.twitter.com/vAZ6j3Tfca
— Barrister Ahsan J. Pirzada (@AhsanJPirzada) August 28, 2023
On Monday morning, an Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has granted bail to human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir in a sedition case related to controversial speeches allegedly made against state institutions at PTM’s public rally.
The two were arrested on August 20 and sent on physical remand after they were accused of delivering a controversial speech. ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the plea and approved post-arrest bail of Imaan and Wazir against surety bonds of Rs30,000 each.
On August 19, two first information reports (FIR) were registered against Imaan and Wazir at the Tarnol police station and Counter-Terrorism Department police station. Both were booked on the charges of sedition, preventing government officials from carrying out their duties and damaging public property.
The cases so far
Two first information reports (FIR) have been registered against Wazir and Imaan.
The first FIR was registered on the complaint of Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Mian Mohammad Imran who was present at Tarnol Phatak chowk to ensure peace during a rally led by PTM. According to the complainant, the rallly devaited from the allocated area violating no-objection certificate
The FIR was filed under Sections 148 (rioting armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 395 (punishment for dacoity), 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt) and 506ii (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The SHO has claimed that the participants, numbering about 700-800, were armed with sticks and attacked the police, official vehicles, and shut down shops when asked to restore access to GT road that they had blocked.
The second FIR was registered under the complaint of Inspector Mohammad Ashraf who was present when about 950 PTM supporters blocked GT road. He said that people including Manzoor Pashteen and Iman Mazari spoke against the state, inciting hatred and revolt. The second FIR was registered under PPC Sections 124A (sedition), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) among others.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, the daughter of Shireen Mazari, appeared on Spot Light at AajTv with Munizae Jahangir on Tuesday, where she expressed her disappointment in PTI chief Imran Khan for not speaking up about the arrest, which she labels as an abduction.
During the show, the anchor asked Imaan if Imran Khan had shown any support to her upon her mother’s arrest. The human rights activist replied, “I’m very disappointed, even though my mother always stood by Imran Khan, he did not utter a single word at her abduction”.
During the show Imaan further revealed that instead of releasing her mother from Adiala Jail, the Islamabad police abducted her and took her to another police station.
She continued by saying that she reached the secretariat police station after she received unverified information about her mother’s location with her lawyer.
When she reached there, officials asked her to go to and meet G-11 Superintendent, but Imaan said that she entered the police station forcefully screaming her mother’s name and she then saw her mother behind prison shouting that she was being beaten. Imaan said that her mother advised her to leave the police station.
She told the anchor that officials dragged her out, adding that she is unsure of what really happened.
میری والدہ کو اڈیالہ جیل سے رہا کرنے کی بجائے اسلام آباد پولیس اغوا کرکے کسی اور تھانے لے گئی جب میں اپنی والدہ کی تلاش میں سیکرٹریٹ تھانہ پہنچی تو میری والدہ وہاں پر چیخ رہی تھی کہ مجھ پر تشدد کیا جا رہا ہے :ایمان مزاری@MunizaeJahangir .@ImaanZHazirpic.twitter.com/E41GzcjyR7
Shireen Mazari was arrested by the police in the early hours of the previous Friday. Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday deemed the detention of Shireen under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) as unlawful and ordered her immediate release. However, she was arrested again by police shortly after her release from Adiala Jail. In a tweet, Imaan Mazari said that she does not know about the whereabouts of her mother.
Following the incident, her party members including Zulfi Bukhari, Shibli Faraz, Fawad Chaudhry along with Mazari’s daughter Imaan Mazari reached the Kohsar police station.
Dr @ShireenMazari1 has been picked up outside from her house a while ago, everyone must reach Police Station Kohsaaar!
— Dr. Iftikhar Durrani (@IftikharDurani) May 21, 2022
Mazari’s daughter tweeted that her mother has been abducted by Anti-Corruption Wing, Lahore.
Male police officers have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has taken her.
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) May 21, 2022
While talking to the media, Imaan said nobody was informed before and she will come after this government.
مردپولیس اہلکار میری والدہ کو لےگئے اور تشدد کیاگیا ،بیٹی شیریں مزاری کا الزام پولیس اہلکار والدہ کو گھسیٹتے ہوئے لے گئے ،بیٹی شیریں مزاری کا الزام@ImaanZHazirpic.twitter.com/I81GiHY5UU
According to Geo News, Mazari was arrested in a case registered in Dera Ghazi Khan. The case had opened during former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar’s tenure but the investigation was put on hold as per his orders
Mazari’s neighbour, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar told The Current: “I saw some heavy security movement around my house. When I inquired, we were told it was for someone’s security. However, my staff informed me that Shireen Mazari, who is my neighbour, may have been arrested. I went to her house and from there we went to the police station with her daughter Imaan Mazari.”
Khokhar added that the police informed them that she has been arrested by Anti-Corruption Department Punjab.
According to Journalist Syed Talat Hussain people in authority in Punjab are clueless about Mazari’s arrest.
Most “persons in authority” that I have spoken to in Punjab and at the center say they have no clue about Dr Mazari’s arrest. And that they are trying to “find out who has done this.”
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) May 21, 2022
According to former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, nobody knows about Mazari’s whereabouts. He said the government has attacked a lady from their party, if this is war then so be it.
While Sheikh Rasheed said that a list of PTI leaders has been prepared which mentions names of the ones to be arrested in the future.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has condemned the act. In a tweet, they have said that her arrest smacks of political victimisation, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator.
HRCP condemns the arrest and manhandling of senior PTI leader @ShireenMazari1. Her arrest smacks of political victimisation, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator. 1/2
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 21, 2022
CM Hamza Shehbaz has ordered immediate release of Dr Shireen Mazari. He said that she is a respected personality.
“We condemn what Imran Khan said about Maryam Nawaz but we don’t believe in revenge politics.”
Mazari was arrested outside her house in Islamabad. Anti-Corruption Department Punjab arrested Mazari earlier today.
