ISLAMABAD: The Official Secrets Act special court in Islamabad announced its reserved verdict that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former foreign minster Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s trial in the cipher case will be conducted in Adiala jail.
udge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain of the Official Secrets Act special court decision said that the media and the public would be allowed to have access to the court.
Earlier today, the Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain heard the cipher case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The Adila Jail authorities refused to produce Imran Khan before the court, citing security concerns.
The jail superintendent, through a written excuse, highlighted potential threats to Imran Khan’s life, as reported by sensitive institutions and the police. The defense argued against violating the decisions of the special court and high court, questioning the superintendent’s interest in keeping Imran Khan in jail. The lawyer suggested either adjourning the case indefinitely due to security threats or granting bail to the suspects.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, expressed disappointment that his client was not produced in court, emphasizing that the case seemed to be rushed. Meanwhile, Qureshi’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, questioned the failure to produce his client when no charges were framed or investigation reports shared.
The judge, Abul Hasnat Zulqernain, reserved the verdict on whether Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood would be presented in the judicial complex, emphasizing the importance of media and public access to the court.
The situation arose after Adiala jail authorities cited “security risks” for not producing the former prime minister in court, despite the previous court order.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, told the court that two separate cases were being heard by the court today, including the cipher case and three bail applications. He added that he hoped his client would be produced in court, but he hasn’t been. He further suggested the case was being heard in haste.
Last week, the court had ordered authorities to present the former prime minister and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi at Islamabad’s Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) today.
However, today the Adiala jail authorities failed to produce the former prime minister before the court citing “security risks” in their report.
