Defiant Statement
During Friday’s hearing, lawyer Eman Mazari told the court she was prepared to face a seven‑year sentence. Her remarks underscored frustration with the trial process, though the presiding judge chose not to respond.
Dispute Over Section 342
Co‑accused Hadi Ali Chatha filed a fresh application, insisting on submitting his own statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He argued that the version already on record was prepared by the state counsel without his consent.
Witnesses Proposed
Chatha presented a list of witnesses he wished to call in his defense, including Ahmed Noorani’s mother, journalist Mudassar Naro’s mother, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, poet Ahmed Farhad, and Arifa Noor. He maintained that these testimonies were essential to his defense.
Criticism of State Counsel
Both Mazari and Chatha expressed distrust in the state‑appointed defense lawyer, claiming that evidence and statements had been submitted without their involvement. Chatha emphasized that multiple applications had been dismissed and that he was denied copies of orders.
Prosecution’s Position
The prosecution, meanwhile, submitted written final arguments through the state counsel. With defense objections unresolved, the court adjourned proceedings until Monday.
Social Media Reaction
Ahead of the hearing, Mazari posted a lengthy statement online, alleging that the trial was conducted in her absence and that she was being punished for raising her voice.
She wrote that prison bars could confine her body but not her ideas, adding: “Suppressing one voice will only amplify many others.”