Lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari has refused to record her statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in a case involving alleged interference with government affairs and the removal of barriers. Her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, also did not record his statement during the hearing at Adiala Jail on Saturday.
The case was heard by Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Supra at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Both Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court in connection with the proceedings.
During the hearing, neither of the accused recorded their statements under Section 342. Chattha told the court that the state counsel should have recorded the statements on their behalf.
Responding to the argument, Judge Supra explained that statements under Section 342 were recorded directly between the court and the accused. He made it clear that the defendants themselves were required to respond to the questions put to them.
Mazari subsequently told the court that she and Chattha would not record their statements under the relevant legal provision.
The judge directed the couple to record their statements at the next hearing, scheduled for October 26. He also warned that if they declined to answer the questions, the court order would reflect that they had not provided responses.
Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides an opportunity for an accused person to explain the circumstances and evidence presented against them during a criminal trial. The statement allows the accused to respond to the prosecution’s case before the court proceeds further.
The latest hearing comes amid ongoing proceedings against Mazari and Chattha in the case concerning alleged interference with government officials and the removal of barriers.
The court adjourned the hearing until October 26, directing both defendants to comply with the requirement to record their statements at the next session.
