The Supreme Court of Pakistan has granted major relief to lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, with initial court reports indicating that their sentences have been suspended, bail has been granted and their release has been ordered.
The matter concerning suspension of their sentences had remained under litigation for several months, with their legal teams seeking an early decision on their pleas.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan Makes Key Observations
During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan referred to the fact that both petitioners are lawyers and made important observations regarding their professional status.
According to initial accounts of the proceedings, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that both were lawyers and that the court was mindful of their dignity.
He also reportedly made an observation regarding the distinction between a lawyer and an ordinary citizen. The precise wording and legal context of those remarks are expected to become clearer once the detailed written order is released.
Sentences Were Awarded in Social Media Posts Case
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha were sentenced earlier this year in a case relating to controversial social media posts under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
The two challenged their convictions and approached the Islamabad High Court, while the issue of suspension of sentence and early hearing later also reached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Islamabad High Court to decide the applications seeking suspension of their sentences, although the litigation continued through several stages.
Lawyers’ Bodies Had Sought Early Decision
Lawyers’ organisations in Islamabad had also called for an early decision on the appeals and sentence-suspension pleas filed by Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.
Representatives of the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association and Islamabad Bar Association had maintained that the two were entitled to timely hearings of their appeals and fair legal proceedings.
What Happens After the Supreme Court Order?
Following the Supreme Court’s reported decision to suspend the sentences and grant bail, the formal release orders will have to be transmitted to the relevant authorities before the release process is completed.
The substantive appeals against their convictions, however, remain separate legal proceedings.
Suspension of a sentence does not by itself amount to the final setting aside of a conviction. It generally means that enforcement of the sentence is halted pending further proceedings or a final decision on the appeal.
Further clarity on the bail conditions, judicial observations and the next stage of the case is expected once the Supreme Court’s detailed written order becomes available.