Azam fails to appear before panel probing audio leaks

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s principal secretary, Azam Khan, could not appear before a five-member high-powered inquiry panel led by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s Islamabad director in connection with an ongoing investigation into the matter of audio leaks where the former rulers discussed how to “play on cypher”.

Sources said the ex-premier’s principal secretary contacted the FIA and informed the investigation officer that he was abroad with his family and would be back in the country by November 15.

On October 5, the FIA director general formed a five-member investigation committee, led by the agency’s Islamabad Director Rana Abdul Jabbar, to investigate the audio leak controversy.

The inquiry panel includes the FIA’s Cyber Crime Islamabad Additional Director, Counter Terrorism Wing Deputy Director, Assistant Director IO, and officer members selected by the committee head. The investigation team also includes Grade-19 officers from three intelligence agencies.

As part of the probe, the inquiry team summoned the former prime minister’s principal secretary, Azam Khan, on Tuesday, October 25. However, Azam could not appear before the inquiry team due to being abroad with his family.

The sources said Azam Khan assured the investigation officials that he would join the inquiry soon after his return to the country.

It has been decided at the FIA level that the notice will be issued to Azam Khan to appear before the inquiry team after November 15, the sources added.

The federal cabinet’s subcommittee had given an official nod earlier this month to initiate legal action against the former premier.