Advocates Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha raised objections against Judge Afzal Majoka, who was hearing their controversial tweet case at the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad on Wednesday.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the case was being heard by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, before whom both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha appeared during the proceedings.
During the hearing, Imaan Mazari objected to the judge’s conduct, saying, “I object because the charge was never read out to me, yet it has been recorded that the charge has been framed.”
She added that the court record from the previous hearing stated she had been read the charge, “whereas that never happened.”
In an exchange with the judge, Imaan Mazari urged him to review the court camera footage, insisting, “You can check the cameras; the charge was never read out to me.”
Judge Afzal Majoka responded that the charge had been read out four times during earlier hearings and that Imaan Mazari’s counsel had been informed about it. “Your lawyer stated that you pleaded not guilty,” the judge remarked.
Meanwhile, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha informed the court that he was withdrawing the state counsel from his representation, announcing that “Advocate Asif Ali Tamboli will now represent me.”
He further told Judge Majoka, “I have filed a misconduct complaint against you. Despite my presence in court, you issued warrants for my arrest.”
Chattha added that he had previously filed a complaint against the same judge, after which some of his cases had been reassigned.
Judge Majoka replied, “You are mistaken. I will continue the proceedings.” Shortly afterwards, the court adjourned the hearing until Chattha’s new lawyer arrived.
