By The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is set to deliver its verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s plea challenging his trial in connection with the cipher case within the jail premises today.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will announce the reserved ruling on Khan’s petition, disputing the Law Ministry’s decision to conduct his trial in jail concerning the diplomatic cable case. The verdict was reserved on September 12, and the IHC is ready to make its decision public.
At a prior hearing, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed the court that the cipher’s hearing in Attock jail was a one-time permission granted. He emphasized that the trial held at Attock jail was in accordance with the law, supported by a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry.
The IHC chief justice commented that conducting trials within jails was not unusual, prompting a discussion on the validity of such notifications.
PTI lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat contended that the notification to hold the trial in jail was malicious and called for a determination of its validity. Meanwhile, the Special Court established under the Official Secrets Act has scheduled Imran Khan’s indictment in the cipher case for October 17.
This development came after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) provided the court with copies of the challan, leading to the setting of the indictment date.
During a recent hearing at Adiala Jail, Khan expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment he received during the cipher case hearing, advocating for fair treatment on par with other prisoners.
Imran Khan’s legal battles extend beyond the cipher case, with his conviction in the Toshakhana case earlier this year. The case revolved around allegations of misusing his position to buy and sell state gifts worth millions.
The cipher case, which arose from a mysterious letter and escalated into diplomatic tensions, continues to unravel. The allegations involving the United States and Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu added complexity to Khan’s political predicaments.
The accusation of utilizing the cipher for political gains has amplified the gravity of the case, implicating the former prime minister in the political landscape of Pakistan.
As the IHC prepares to deliver its verdict on the cipher case trial location, the nation keenly awaits the outcome, which holds significant implications for Imran Khan’s legal battles and the political landscape of Pakistan.
