On Saturday, rights activist and attorney Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir filed a request with the registrar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to ensure the preservation of CCTV footage related to an “unfortunate incident” involving her — referring to her interaction with IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar—that occurred earlier this week.
In her submission to the IHC registrar, which Mazari posted on X, she stated: “I am writing to you today to request the preservation of CCTV footage from the Honourable Chief Justice’s courtroom no.1, dated September 11, 2025, between 9am and 11am, due to an unfortunate incident involving the undersigned counsel, which necessitates the preservation of the recorded exchange on the CCTV footage.
“I would also request [the] provision of a copy of the CCTV footage from the aforementioned date and time on the USB I have annexed herewith this instant application.”
The proceedings mentioned by Mazari in her application stem from a hearing that took place on Thursday, where she acted on behalf of her client — who requested the removal of rights activist Mahrang Baloch’s name from the Exit Control List — in the court presided over by IHC CJ Dogar.
During the hearing, Justice Dogar cautioned Mazari about the possibility of a contempt of court case and was said to have issued warning remarks that suggested “getting hold of her”
Mazari stated that she was merely executing her professional responsibilities and was ready to confront contempt proceedings should the court find it necessary.
The following day, during the hearing of a different case, Justice Dogar offered clarification on the issue, asserting that his remarks had been taken out of context. He further refuted any claims of having suggested “getting hold of” Mazari — a statement disputed by Mazari’s spouse, Hadi Ali Chattha, who was also present at Thursday’s hearing.
In his clarification, Justice Dogar remarked that Mazari was “like a daughter” to him, emphasizing that he was only attempting to elucidate matters to her the day before.
“I was explaining to her just as (I would) to a child, but she was not understanding. She was repeatedly mentioning fundamental rights. Does this court not have any fundamental rights,” he said.
His comments faced backlash from the nation’s legal community and Mazari herself, who labeled his statements as “sexist”.
Several legal organizations and bar associations released statements denouncing the behavior of the IHC CJ, with some even calling for his removal from office.
The Lahore High Court Bar Association vehemently criticized the exchange, asserting that lawyers are “officer[s] of the court” and that their respect and dignity should be upheld, just as those of esteemed judges. It called upon the Supreme Judicial Council to dismiss Justice Dogar from his position.
This call was similarly supported by the Balochistan Bar Council, while the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) strongly condemned Justice Dogar’s “highly inappropriate conduct”.
The Women’s Action Forum also expressed outrage over the judge’s alleged comments, condemning the “highly objectionable patriarchal misogynist anti-women remarks and behaviour … patronising language employed in addressing and instructing the lawyer’s spouse…”.
