ISLAMABAD: The Secretariat Police have registered a case against 70 lawyers — including Imaan Mazari-Hazir, Intizar Panjhutha, Naeem Panjhutha, and Hadi Chatha — under anti-terrorism provisions following a complaint by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Wajid Gilani.
According to the FIR, over 150 lawyers allegedly raised derogatory slogans against the Chief Justice and the Pakistan Army during a protest in support of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, who has been barred from judicial duties pending a Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) decision on his academic credentials.
Gilani further alleged that Intizar Panjhutha, Naeem Haider, and Mustafeen Kazmi, along with others, assaulted him and even attempted to kill him with knives.
The incident unfolded on Friday when young lawyers, protesting against Justice Jahangiri’s suspension, clashed with IHCBA leaders. The protesters marched from the court premises to Gilani’s office, chanting slogans. As Gilani emerged, he was confronted by lawyers shouting “shame, shame.” Heated arguments ensued, escalating into a physical scuffle.
At a press conference later, Gilani announced legal action, saying: “We cannot afford to be proxies of any judge. We must stand for the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution.” IHCBA Secretary Manzoor Jajja also vowed to pursue terrorism charges and move to cancel the licences of those involved, accusing some lawyers of acting as “touts of judges.”
Meanwhile, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha denied involvement in misconduct. Speaking to media, Mazari insisted the protest was peaceful and aimed at showing solidarity with Justice Jahangiri, claiming “certain elements tried to sabotage” the demonstration. Chatha also rejected allegations of anti-state slogans, saying video evidence would prove their stance.
Former IHCBA president Riyasat Ali Azad condemned the incident, warning that such actions deepen divisions within the legal fraternity.