If the case record is not produced, the SP and DSP should prepare to go to jail.
Court issues show-cause notices to SP Khurram and DSP Naeem Yousaf over the investigating officer’s absence and failure to produce case records; hearing adjourned until November 3.
ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has summoned the Inspector General of Islamabad Police for the next hearing in a case involving human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, while issuing show-cause notices to two senior police officers over delays in the investigation and non-production of the case record.
ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain issued the directions during proceedings in a case concerning allegations of obstructing public officials in the performance of their duties.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over Investigating Officer’s Absence
Superintendent of Police (SP) Khurram and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Naeem Yousaf appeared before the court, where the judge expressed strong displeasure over the investigating officer’s continued absence and the resulting delay in judicial proceedings.
During the hearing, SP Khurram informed the court that the investigating officer had travelled to Khaplu in Gilgit-Baltistan and would appear before the court upon his return.
The explanation prompted a sharp response from Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who questioned the uncertainty surrounding the officer’s return.
“What kind of procedure is this? When will he return?” the judge asked, expressing concern that those attending the proceedings were being kept waiting.
The judge observed that the court was required to make judicial decisions and could not continue indefinitely without the necessary record and assistance from the investigating authorities.
Police Say Appearance Could Take 10 to 15 Days
When the court demanded a clear timeline for the investigating officer’s appearance, DSP Naeem Yousaf stated that it could take another 10 to 15 days.
The response further displeased the judge, who criticised the conduct of police officials and questioned the delays affecting court proceedings.
“You police officials have exhausted people,” the judge remarked, expressing frustration over the handling of cases.
During the exchange, Judge Zulqarnain also referred to proceedings involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, stating that he had become so frustrated with their treatment that he had discharged them from a case earlier that day.
The judge subsequently indicated that he would issue a formal order concerning the police officials’ conduct.
Show-Cause Notices Issued to Two Senior Officers
He also warned SP Khurram and DSP Naeem Yousaf that they could face imprisonment if the required case record was not produced in accordance with the court’s directions.
The court then issued show-cause notices to both officers, requiring them to respond to the concerns raised during the proceedings.
The judge additionally ordered the Inspector General of Islamabad Police to appear at the next hearing, escalating the matter to the capital’s top police official.
Case Adjourned Until November 3
During the proceedings, defence lawyer Riasat Ali Azad requested that the court fix the next hearing for Monday. However, the judge indicated that he would issue an appropriate order.
The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings in the case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha until November 3, 2026.
The latest proceedings place renewed judicial attention on the police’s responsibility to ensure the timely appearance of investigating officers and production of relevant case records.
The show-cause notices require responses from the concerned officers and do not, by themselves, establish misconduct. No final determination of the allegations against Mazari and Chattha was announced during the reported hearing.
