On Monday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) again adjourned the hearing regarding the sentence suspension petitions of Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, despite a clear Supreme Court directive to decide the pleas by May 26.

The couple, already sentenced to 17 years in prison in the controversial social media posts case, filed their petitions in early February challenging the conviction.The Supreme Court had issued a directive on May 12, giving IHC two weeks to decide on the matter.

However, the hearing today could not proceed as two out of three members of the special prosecution team were absent—one travelling from Lahore and another engaged in proceedings before the IHC Chief Justice.Justice Muhammad Azam Khan expressed his frustration, noting that he had already missed his mediation training to attend the hearing.The court rescheduled the hearing for Thursday, June 4, while restraining prosecution from seeking further adjournments.

The case revolves around allegations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (Peca), accusing Imaan of spreading narratives linked to hostile organisations, and Hadi of reposting her content.Their arrest in January sparked widespread criticism regarding their right to a fair trial.Until IHC decides on the sentence suspension pleas, the matter remains pending before a three-judge Supreme Court bench.