An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Thursday sentenced human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to 10 years in prison each in a security breach case linked to the visit of an international cricket team to Pakistan in October 2024.
The case, registered at Aabpara Police Station, involves allegations that the couple posed a security risk by interfering in state affairs during the international team’s visit.
Before the verdict was announced, the defence sought a postponement, arguing that petitions filed by the accused were still pending before the Supreme Court and the high court.
Defence lawyer Aimal Mandokhail told the court that the decision should be deferred until the pending petitions were decided.
He argued that the court could not legally announce its verdict while the applications remained under consideration.
Mandokhail further informed the court that the defence had also filed an application before the High Court seeking the transfer of the case.
Despite the defence’s request for a delay, the ATC proceeded to announce its verdict, sentencing both Mazari and Chattha to 10 years in prison each.
