September 11, 2025, Islamabad — Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar and the petitioner’s attorney, advocate Imaan Mazari, engaged in a heated verbal altercation during Thursday’s hearing on a petition to remove the name of Mahrung Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), from the Exit Control List (ECL).
CJ Dogar, who was clearly annoyed by Mazari’s alleged comments that were outside the purview of the case, advised her to “keep your mouth shut and stay within the limits of respect” during the proceedings. He made it clear that he would not be giving orders on the petition at this time, citing reports that Mazari had called him a “dictator.”
Court Proceedings
Arshad Kayani, Pakistan’s deputy attorney general, told the bench that cabinet approval was needed for any decision pertaining to Mahrung Baloch’s name being removed from the ECL. The atmosphere in the courtroom remained heated in spite of this clarification.
CJ Dogar addressed Mazari directly, stating, “Ms. Mazari will go downstairs and hold a program saying a dictator is sitting in court.”
Mazari responded by stating that her personal opinions were protected by the right to free speech and should not be allowed to affect her client’s case. She claimed, “I am not here in a personal capacity; I am here with a legal brief.”
Possibility of Contempt Charges
As the Chief Justice threatened Mazari with potential contempt proceedings, the exchanges became more acerbic. “Hadi sahib, explain it to her… if I catch her someday…” CJ Dogar continued, turning to advocate Hadi Ali Chatta, her husband and fellow attorney.
Mazari Reacts on Social Media
Imaan Mazari clarified on X (formerly Twitter) after the proceedings that she had appeared in the IHC as a lawyer and not an activist. “I wasn’t there as ‘activist Imaan Mazari,’ but rather on behalf of my client. I behaved professionally — and the court ought to follow suit,” she wrote on social media.
Possibility of Contempt Charges
As the Chief Justice threatened Mazari with potential contempt proceedings, the exchanges became more acerbic. “Hadi sahib, explain it to her… if I catch her someday…” CJ Dogar continued, turning to advocate Hadi Ali Chatta, her husband and fellow attorney.
Mazari Reacts on Social Media
Imaan Mazari clarified on X (formerly Twitter) after the proceedings that she had appeared in the IHC as a lawyer and not an activist. “I wasn’t there as ‘activist Imaan Mazari,’ but rather on behalf of my client. I behaved professionally — and the court ought to follow suit,” she wrote on social media.
Background
Mahrung Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, was placed on the ECL earlier this year. The move has been widely criticized by rights activists and pro-Baloch voices as a restriction on political dissent.
The case now hinges on federal cabinet approval, with the court refraining from issuing directives until due process is followed.
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