ISLAMABAD, JAN 22 /DNA/ :The District & Sessions Court of Islamabad on Thursday deferred hearing in the case related to disputed tweets against Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha after both accused failed to appear, directing them to present themselves in person at the next hearing.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the proceedings.
At the start of the hearing, neither Iman Mazari, nor Hadi Ali appeared before the court. The judge first suspended the proceedings until 11:30 am. When the case was taken up again, the accused were still absent, prompting the court to further adjourn the hearing until 2:30 pm.
During the hearing, Judge Afzal Majoka inquired about the whereabouts of the accused. The prosecution informed the court that both accused were deliberately present at the Islamabad High Court instead of attending the trial court. The prosecution requested the court to issue arrest warrants against them.
Responding to the request, Judge Majoka remarked that the court had the authority to pass appropriate orders in the matter.
Later, Prosecutor Rana Usman appeared before the court and informed that the accused had failed to appear despite the case being called several times. He further stated that the accused were not complying with the directions issued by the Islamabad High Court.
The prosecution requested cancellation of bail and issuance of arrest warrants against the accused. The court also noted that neither the accused nor their defence counsel were present during the hearing.
Judge Majoka observed that, under the directions of the High Court, the trial must be completed by January 24. He ordered Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha to appear before the court in person at 8:30 am on the next hearing.
The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings in the case until the next day.
