ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), presided over by Judge Abu Al-Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, heard the bail applications of lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. The court expressed strong displeasure after the investigating officer failed to appear along with the relevant case record.

During the hearing, investigating officer Fakhar Abbas was not present in court. Judge Abu Al-Hasnat directed the DSP Legal to appear before the court immediately along with the required record and subsequently adjourned the proceedings for a short period.

Advocate Riasat Ali Azad, appearing for the accused, questioned how an accused could remain in jail when the investigating officer was absent from the proceedings. He also alleged that the courts were being used as a tool against individuals.

The DSP Legal informed the court that the investigating officer was outside the district and was reportedly in Gilgit-Baltistan. The explanation further angered the judge, who warned that strict action would be taken if the documents presented before the court were found to be incorrect.

The DSP Legal later presented a certificate regarding the investigating officer's presence in Gilgit-Baltistan. Judge Abu Al-Hasnat showed the document to Advocate Riasat Ali Azad and directed the authorities to produce the original record before the court.

The DSP Legal informed the court that efforts to contact the investigating officer had been unsuccessful and that producing the required record could take additional time.

During the proceedings, the judge also summoned the security in-charge of the Anti-Terrorism Courts and directed the court staff to make arrangements for handcuffs. Earlier, the judge had warned the DSP Legal and investigating officer of possible imprisonment over their failure to comply with the court's directions.

Senior lawyers appearing in the case also presented legal arguments, maintaining that once the prosecution has been issued notice, the court can decide a bail application even if the prosecution fails to produce the complete record.

Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha are currently in custody in connection with the case. Their lawyers also referred to an earlier Supreme Court order suspending the sentences awarded in a PECA case and directing their release on bail.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Abu Al-Hasnat reserved his decision on the bail applications of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.

When a journalist asked the judge about reporting the development regarding the handcuffs, Judge Abu Al-Hasnat responded that the court had never stopped anyone from reporting the news.

The court is expected to announce its decision within approximately half an hour.