ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has authorized lawyers to meet Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in jail, who are arrested in a terrorism case relating to the demolition of security barriers.

Dr Shireen Mazari appeared before the case was heard by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who was accompanied by Advocate Riasat Ali Azad and Advocate Aimal Khan.

The court ordered that Riasat Ali Azad, Zainab Janjua and Aimal Khan be allowed to meet Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in jail.

At the hearing, Riasat Ali Azad stated that meetings between the lawyers and their clients were necessary for the case to move forward.

Judge Sipra noted that the anti-terrorism law mandated trials to be held on a day-to-day basis. He asked the prosecutor how many witnesses were still to be examined and the prosecutor said that there were nine witnesses to be presented.

The judge asked the prosecution to ensure the accused were allowed to meet their lawyers, adding that such meetings had to be enabled.

During the proceedings, Hadi Ali Chattha asked why he and Imaan Mazari were not being shown before the court, claiming the situation was against the norms of fair trial. He stated he had been in prison for eight months and could not see how efficiently he could continue his case in the circumstances.

Chattha also highlighted worries over holding meetings with lawyers in places that are equipped with cameras, questioning how secret contact between lawyer and client can be held in such circumstances.

He said the court should decide if he and Mazari were guilty of the charges, and demanded their production before it.

The judge scheduled further proceedings for Oct. 14.

The lawsuit contains charges about the dismantling of security obstacles for the visit of an international cricket team. The court in earlier hearings formally formulated allegations against Mazari and Chattha notwithstanding defense objections over access to legal counsel and copies of case papers.

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