'Non-cooperation can lead to arrest', Sanaullah warns PTI chief in cypher case

Interior minister says arrests may be made at inquiry stage as federal body probes 'cypher-gate'

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief of arrest if he fails to cooperate with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in its probe into the so-called cypher-gate scandal.

"The FIA has summoned [the] PTI chairperson on July 25. If he does not cooperate with the investigation, he may be arrested during the inquiry stage," wrote Sanaullah on Twitter, adding that the federal agency will probe into the matter.

تحقیقاتی ایجنسی (FIA) نے سائفر کے معاملے پر Chmn. PTI کو 25 Jul کو طلب کرلیاہے، تحقیقات میں تعاون نہ کیاتو انکوائری کے مرحلے پر ہی گرفتار کیا جاسکتاہے۔تحقیقات کر کے FIA سفارش کرے گی کہ شواہد اور C. PTI کے بیان کے بعد کون شریکِ جرم ہے اور کس کس کے خلاف جرم کا مقدمہ درج ہونا چاہیے۔

— Rana SanaUllah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) July 20, 2023

The FIA will recommend the persons against whom criminal cases will be lodged in view of the evidence and the former premier's statement, stated Sanaullah.

A day prior, the investigative agency kicked off its probe into the so-called ‘cypher-gate’ scandal, ensnaring the deposed premier into yet another investigation.

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The development came as the federal government announced an official inquiry into the 'cypher-gate' case to initiate proceedings against the PTI chairman for violating the Official Secrets Act 1923 by making the classified document public.

FIA issued notices to former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and former finance minister Asad Umar, summoning the two senior PTI leaders to FIA headquarters on July 24.

The investigative body also summoned the PTI chief in connection with the same inquiry at 12pm on July 25.

The notices ask all three politicians to bring with them any information or documents relating to the cypher as well as any evidence they may have to support their claims.

Unilateral action can also be taken in case of non-appearance, stated FIA in its notices.