Hearing of the Cipher case
ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, a special court judge adjourned the hearing of the cipher case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi until October 9.
The hearing took place inside Adiala Jail, where both individuals are currently detained.
Sessions Judge Abu Alhasnaat Zulqurnain conducted the hearing that was relocated to the Adiala Jail following clearance from the law ministry.
Imran Khan’s legal team demanded suspension of the trial as a bail petition is under consideration in the Islamabad High Court. They informed Judge Zulqurnain that a hearing has been reserved for the jail trial and in-camera proceedings.
The case, filed under the Official Secrets Act, alleges that Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi disclosed the contents of a classified cipher. Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington sent the cipher.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the court granted permission for 12 lawyers from the PTI to enter the jail and attend the proceedings on Wednesday.
Additionally, Qureshi’s son, Zain, and daughter, Meherbano, were allowed to witness the proceedings.
Ministry issues NOC to hold trial of Imran Khan in Adiala Jail in the cipher case
Earlier, the Ministry of Law issued an NOC to conduct trial of Imran Khan in Adiala Jail in the cipher case. The Ministry issued the NOC on Tuesday in response to the special court judge’s letter on this matter.
PTI chairman and former premier Imran Khan has been transferred to Adiala Jail a few days ago on the directive of the Islamabad High Court.
Meanwhile, the IHC reserved its decision regarding in in-camera hearing of the cipher case on Monday. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) requested the court for an in-camera hearing for PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s bail application in the cipher case.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq considered the applications on Monday.
“We need to decide whether the hearing will be in-camera or in an open court”, the Chief Justice stated while reserving the decision.
During the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyers opposed the application for an in-camera hearing. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated that the case would be scheduled for another hearing soon. When Imran Khan’s lawyer asked for a date within the next one to two days, the CJ responded that his office would handle the matter.
The FIA lawyer emphasized that the cypher was a classified document, and its contents could not be disclosed publicly. He also mentioned that an open trial of the cypher case could impact Pakistan’s relations with foreign countries mentioned in the document.
