RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court has cancelled the appointment of State Counsel Taimoor Janjua in the case against Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha involving the removal of barriers and interference in official duties, appointing Atif Mahmood as the new state counsel.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra heard the case at Adiala Jail, where he approved an application filed by Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha challenging the appointment of the state counsel.
During the hearing, Iman Mazari told the court that Taimoor Janjua had previously been appointed as state counsel in their case as well.
Hadi Ali Chattha alleged that the state counsel had told people that he had received Rs500,000 for conducting cross-examination in a single day.
In response, Taimoor Janjua said they could appear with him in any private case outside the court to see whether he was capable of doing his job.
During the proceedings, Advocate Iman Mando Khel questioned the state counsel, asking whether he was representing the accused or acting against them.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed displeasure over the state counsel's conduct and asked Taimoor Janjua whether no one had ever taught him how to appear and conduct himself in court.
Iman Mazari told the court that they did not need a state counsel because they already had their own lawyers.
Hadi Ali Chattha said their lawyers were occupied with other cases at the High Court, while the anti-terrorism court was holding hearings on a daily basis.
No prosecution witness could be cross-examined during the hearing, prompting the court to summon the witnesses again.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra told Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha that if their lawyers did not cross-examine the witnesses at the next hearing, the state counsel would conduct the cross-examination.
The court adjourned further proceedings until October 23 at 9:00