Former lawmaker Ali Wazir and human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari were placed on a three-day physical remand by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday. The remand was ordered in connection with their participation in a protest organized by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) the previous week.
As the daughter of former federal minister Shireen Mazari, Imaan Mazari, and former member of the national assembly Ali Wazir appeared before Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain’s court, the judge directed the authorities to present the accused again on August 24.
Imaan Mazari’s lawyer, advocate Zainab Janjua, argued that despite a local court granting remand the previous day, there had been no progress in the investigation. She emphasized that Mazari’s electronic devices had been confiscated and two separate cases had been registered for a single incident.
The accused had been remanded in police custody on Sunday shortly after being arrested in the federal capital on multiple charges. They were among numerous individuals booked under different sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) for their involvement in a PTM rally that allegedly aimed to “interfere in state affairs.”
During the court appearance, the prosecution presented a second FIR filed by Islamabad’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), which included allegations of sedition and terrorism against Wazir and Mazari.
Imaan’s lawyer argued that the first FIR contained non-bailable provisions and highlighted that her client, as a lawyer, had cooperated with previous investigations and would continue to do so.
The prosecution contended that the accused had delivered speeches against the state, presenting a transcript of Mazari’s speech in court. The prosecutor noted that Mazari had faced a similar case in the past, with charges dropped after she apologized for her remarks. He argued that she had repeated the offense.
The prosecution requested a remand extension, stating that investigations were ongoing, and tests such as the photogrammetry test and voice matching needed completion.
Mazari’s lawyer opposed this, pointing out that her client’s devices and speech transcript were already in police possession. She questioned the purpose of keeping them in custody when the investigation had not progressed in the 24 hours they had been held.
Imaan’s lawyer also highlighted that a previous case mentioned by the prosecution had been dismissed by the Islamabad High Court.
After considering all arguments, the ATC reserved judgment on the remand request.
During the proceedings, Ali Wazir informed the court that the caretaker government had advised PTM leadership against holding a sit-in in front of the Supreme Court. He mentioned that they were instructed to conduct a rally in Tarnol instead, which they did. Wazir added that the interior minister had appreciated their actions, further expressing disappointment at the current situation.
The court eventually approved a three-day physical remand for Imaan Mazari and Ali Wazir, with instructions for them to be presented before the ATC on August 24.
