ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday stayed the in n-camera cipher case trail of the former prime minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi until January 11, 2024.
Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb heard the petition of the PTI founder chairman Imran Khan seeking stay order to stop in-camera trail in cipher case. The court issued its interim order and summoned the entire record of the jail trial.
The Court stopped the cipher case trail until January 11 and issued notices to the FIA and federal government in the case.
In the ongoing legal proceedings, the defense contended that an FIR had been filed in lieu of a complaint, initiating court proceedings. The court, in response to the appeal challenging the indictment, issued a notice to the federation.
Initially, Justice Miangul Aurangzeb acknowledged the defense plea and directed the submission of necessary trial documents for the upcoming hearing. The judge raised concerns about the deviation from an initially ordered open trial to an in-camera trial. Questioning the reasons behind this shift, the bench criticized the brevity of the explanation provided.
Justice Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of a clear order, highlighting that mere media attendance did not meet the criteria for an open trial. The Attorney General informed the court of the necessity for a proper order to facilitate an open trial.
Further inquiry focused on whether cross-examination had taken place in the presence of the media. The Attorney General clarified that the three individuals cross-examined were involved in the code and decode of the cipher.
The court underscored the significance of conducting a case properly, expressing concern about the potential consequences of mishandling. The prosecutor argued that the plea against an in-camera trial was non-maintainable and pledged cooperation with the court on the matter.
Assuring the court, the Attorney General specified that only four witnesses would undergo in-camera cross-examination, specifically related to the Foreign Office’s cipher security.
The bench adjourned the plea against the in-camera hearing of the case until January 11.
