Islamabad: In a sedition case connected to a contentious statement against state institutions, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) remanded human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir to Adiala Jail on 14-day judicial remand on Thursday.
The Tarnol and Counter-Terrorism Department police stations filed two FIRs against Imaan and Wazir on August 19 during a PTM demonstration in the federal capital. Both arrested for sedition, obstructing government personnel from working and harming public property.
After a three-day physical remand, Imaan and Wazir appeared before ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain today.
“Voice matching and photogrammetry of Imaan Mazari and Ali Wazir have been completed,”. Prosecutor Raja Naveed said, requesting an extension of their physical remand.
The investigating officer asked the court if Imaan handed a paper to speak from. “She needs to questioned who gave her that paper.”
ATC Judge Zulqarnain stated justice would guide the judgement. He said that proper relief would offered.
Imaan’s lawyer Safai Zainab Janjua requested the court hear her bail plea today. The ATC judge said the bail plea could not considered today, but he scheduled a hearing for tomorrow.
On August 26, an ATC judge summoned parties to discuss Imaan’s bail application. As well as allowed her mother, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, to attend.
A district and sessions court in Islamabad granted bail and sentenced Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir to 14 days in jail for “interference in state affairs” and damaging public property after PTM’s march.
The FIR
After the PTM rally, Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Miam Mohammad Imran filed the FIR for “interference in state affairs” 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), and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from
The SHO said he was with other police officials at Tarnol Phatak Chowk on Friday at 5pm when the PTM rally, in violation of its NOC, moved from its designated location.
He said that rallygoers with batons fought police when they tried to stop it. The throng blocked both GT Road lanes when police stopped it, says the FIR.
The SHO said PTM leaders and supporters fought police and threatened severe consequences, damaged vehicles, and vandalised surrounding shops when asked to unblock the road.
