Overview
- The Islamabad High Court adjourned petitions seeking suspension of the couple’s sentences to June 4 after members of the special prosecution team did not appear at Monday’s hearing.
- The Supreme Court had ordered the IHC on May 12 to decide the suspension pleas within two weeks, a deadline that was not met when the IHC delayed the matter.
- The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has asked the Supreme Court to withdraw its May 12 directive, arguing the apex court cannot override matters pending before a high court.
- Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha were sentenced in January to 17 years each with heavy fines under sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act for contested social media posts, and they remain in custody while appeals and petitions proceed.
- The petitioners allege trial irregularities including evidence recorded in their absence and appointment of state counsel without consent, and bar bodies have raised fair‑trial and due‑process concerns that sharpen debates over PECA and judicial oversight.