ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday recorded the statements of three more witnesses in the case against Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha concerning the removal of barriers.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard the case. During the proceedings, Aimal Khan Mandokhail, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that he had visited Adiala Jail to meet his clients but could not do so because roads were blocked about 1.5 kilometres from the jail. He said it was the designated day for meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers and that, despite requesting access under a court order, the meeting was not allowed.
A court official informed the judge that jail authorities had said the accused would be produced through video link.
Mandokhail requested that the court ensure the physical appearance of Mazari and Chattha. The judge said reports from the police and jail authorities had been received, adding that they had cited the unavailability of a special vehicle for their production.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani requested the court to record the witnesses’ statements. The judge agreed to record the evidence and said the issue of cross-examination could be considered.
When the recording of a witness’s statement began, the defence lawyers and Shireen Mazari boycotted the proceedings and left the courtroom. Mazari and Chattha also left after their lawyers.
The court then proceeded to record the witnesses’ statements in the absence of the accused and their counsel.
One witness, Ibrahim, a driver with the traffic police, told the court that barriers had been placed because of the movement of a team. He alleged that Chattha removed a barrier, allowing three to four motorcycles to pass, and then punched him in the back, slapped him and abused him.
He further stated that the in-charge called for additional personnel and that the accused began moving back after their arrival. He alleged that the accused later disappeared into the crowd after the route movement period ended. He also claimed that the incident caused fear among the public, referring to the previous attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.
Another traffic police witness, Tanveer, alleged that Mazari questioned the road closure, shouted for the road to be opened and attempted to incite people present at the scene. He said he subsequently sent a complaint to the police station.
The court recorded statements of three witnesses during the hearing and adjourned the proceedings until the following day.
With the latest statements, evidence from six witnesses has so far been recorded in the case.