ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The Supreme Court on Wednesday halted all trial court proceedings against lawyer and activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in a high-profile case stemming from alleged controversial social media posts. The order will remain in effect until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decides on the couple’s pending petitions.
A three-judge bench issued the stay, observing that further trial proceedings would be premature while the legal questions raised by Mazari and Chattha remain unresolved before the IHC. The decision effectively pauses the case, which has drawn considerable public scrutiny due to its focus on digital expression and the limits of online speech.
Mazari and Chattha had earlier approached the High Court seeking to suspend the trial, arguing that procedural concerns and constitutional issues required judicial examination before any further action. After the IHC declined to grant an immediate stay, the couple elevated their plea to the Supreme Court, prompting the latest intervention.
The case centres on accusations that the couple’s social media activity contained remarks considered objectionable by authorities. Both have denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the allegations are unfounded and that their posts were within the bounds of lawful expression. Their petitions challenge the manner in which the case was initiated, the application of relevant laws, and the conduct of investigative processes.
Legal observers note that the Supreme Court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring due process, particularly in matters involving speech, public criticism, and the use of digital platforms. The stay order signals that the Court considers the unresolved legal issues significant enough to justify halting the trial until a higher judicial forum completes its review.
For now, all proceedings will remain suspended pending the Islamabad High Court’s ruling on the appeals, which is expected to clarify the future course of the case.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.