Islamabad: Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi are set to be indicted in the cipher case on December 12.
The proceedings took place in the Official Secrets Act special court, presided over by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain, in Adiala Jail.
During the hearing, Imran Khan expressed his intent to call former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and a representative from the American embassy in Islamabad as witnesses. Meanwhile, PTI lawyers raised objections, claiming legal requirements were not met in the notification for the jail trial. However, Judge Hasnat declared the notification valid based on a high court divisional bench decision.
The court distributed copies of the investigation report to the suspects and expressed displeasure over the late arrival of Imran Khan’s lawyer, Usman Gul. Shah Mahmood urged for an earlier next hearing, and the judge agreed if lawyers arrived on time.
The cipher case, conducted under sections 9 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, saw Imran Khan ordering an inquiry during his tenure as prime minister. Imran Khan alleged efforts to protect powerful individuals involved in the case, stating, “We have been locked up like goats, while Nawaz Sharif has been brought here from abroad.” The judge emphasized that the trial would proceed on merit.
The next hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the allegations and the legal course ahead.
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