“Imaan Mazari Is Like My Daughter”: IHC Chief Justice Responds to Courtroom Controversy

ISLAMABAD — Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar has publicly clarified his remarks regarding advocate Imaan Mazari, following a heated courtroom exchange that drew widespread attention. During Thursday’s hearing, Justice Dogar emphasized that his comments were misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary uproar.

“Imaan Mazari is like my daughter,” he stated, as reported by The News, adding that his advice to her was given in his dual capacity as the chief justice and as an elder. The incident unfolded when Mazari challenged the court’s stance, prompting a tense back-and-forth. Justice Dogar noted that while disagreement with judicial decisions is acceptable, personal remarks cross a line.

He further explained that Mazari’s spouse was present during the exchange, and he had asked him to escort her out of the courtroom to prevent contempt proceedings. “Otherwise, her professional career could be affected,” he warned. The chief justice also denied allegations that he threatened to “catch” her, calling such claims a distortion of his actual words.

Justice Dogar expressed concern that the court’s authority was being undermined, especially when advocates insist solely on fundamental rights without acknowledging the judiciary’s own standing. “Does this court have no rights?” he asked, underscoring the need for mutual respect between the bench and the bar.

The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny of courtroom dynamics and the boundaries of professional conduct, especially in high-stakes legal confrontations.