ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Thursday directed lawyers and witnesses in a case against incarcerated rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to appear at Adiala jail today (Friday) for the next hearing after police cited difficulties in transporting the accused to court.

The court also directed the Adiala jail superintendent to arrange a meeting between Ms Imaan and her counsel, after the defence submitted an affidavit detailing alleged difficulties during a previous meeting.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra was hearing a case concerning the alleged disruption of a security route for an international cricket team and incitement to public unrest. The couple have been accused of removing barriers from the route and were indicted on Oct 7.

Defence lawyer Aimal Khan Mandokhail submitted an affidavit stating that he had presented the court`s order to the jail deputy superintendent and sought a private meeting with his client.

According to the affidavit, the accused said theywere not boycotting the trial and wanted to appear in person, citing audio and internet problems during video-link proceedings that hindered their ability to follow hearings and consult their lawyers.

The court was informed that jail authorities had requested a vehicle to transport the couple, but Islamabad police had said they lacked the required vehicle and three constables to accompany them.

Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Pari Gul told the court that a large police contingent was deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suggested holding the trial on jail premises.

Expressing dismay, Judge Sipra said he had repeatedly directed that the accused be produced in court and questioned why police had not made the request earlier. He said their `actions have completely altered the course of the matter`.

Ms Imaan`s mother, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, asked how her daughter and son-inlaw had previously been brought to court at 10pm, accompanied by 12 vehicles.

Ms Imaan and Mr Chattha subsequently appeared via video link, and the judge briefed them on the proceedings. Ms Gul said a formal notification regarding the jail trial would be issued the same day.

Mr Chattha said he had no objection to appearing in person or undergoing a jail trial, but stressed that lawyers and journalists should also be allowed to attend proceedings at the jail.