Imran Khan seeks suspension of cipher case trial

Imran Khan, the incarcerated Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has taken legal action against an upcoming indictment in a cipher case, filing a petition on Wednesday in the Islamabad High Court, contesting a trial court’s decision to charge him and party Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case, as the court merged the case with the plea seeking dismissal of the cipher case.

The trial is scheduled for October 17, however, Khan claims that the relevant documents were not handed over to his defense counsel, despite the trial court’s order suggesting otherwise.

Khan has also sought bail in two cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). These cases involve the Toshakhana case and allegations of corruption involving millions of pounds.

Khan’s bail plea was previously dismissed by the Accountability Court due to his inability to appear in court. The petitions state that Khan’s detention in Attock Jail prevented him from attending court proceedings, asserting that his absence was not intentional.

In a related development, the Special Court (Official Secrets Act) distributed copies of the investigation report to Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a hearing held on October 9.

This move precedes their impending indictment. Notably, PTI lawyers have requested that the trial not be held in camera due to the small size of the prison court.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi has submitted a petition to challenge a notification from the Law Ministry regarding the trial’s location at Adiala Jail. The court has ordered the ministry to explain its decision.

Copies of the investigation report will be provided to the suspects, contingent on the Islamabad High Court’s decision. The court directed the suspects to sign the copies, but Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi have refused to do so.

Special court judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain visited Adiala Jail to solve the problems allegedly being faced by PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The court ordered the demolition of the wall erected in front of Imran Khan’s cell.

According to the jail superintendent, the PTI chief has been provided a place to walk, adding that he has requested further extension of his cell despite adequate space.

Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be indicted in the case on October 17, said Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain.