Leaked cypher: PTI renews call for high-powered judicial commission

Party's core committee says international news report solidifies Imran's claims

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again called for the establishment of a high-powered judicial commission to thoroughly investigate the matter of cypher and subsequently make its findings public.

The demand follows a news report published by an international news outlet which, according to PTI, corroborates former prime minister Imran Khan's assertion that his government's removal was influenced by the encouragement of the US government.

A press statement released by PTI emphasised that the report further solidified the accuracy and authenticity of Imran Khan's statements regarding the cypher.

The PTI spokesperson remarked that the report's revelations indicated that the ousting of Imran Khan's government was orchestrated through a conspiracy involving a no-confidence motion.

Read more: 'Massive crime' if contents of leaked state document true: Shehbaz

Highlighting the sequence of events, the spokesperson underscored that the former premier had presented the cypher during a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.

In that session, he added, the cypher was characterised as an intrusion into Pakistan's internal matters, prompting a unanimous decision to protest through diplomatic channels while upholding diplomatic norms.

The subsequent NSC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, endorsed the stance taken in the initial security committee meeting.

However, the spokesperson pointed out that efforts were made thereafter to diminish the significance of the cypher, with the ruling alliance attempting to dismiss it as insignificant and denying its existence.

The PTI spokesperson criticised attempts to attribute the exposure of the cypher to PTI's chairman, highlighting the need for an informed discussion and critique while maintaining the appropriate context.

Read: Govt denies political motive for Imran’s arrest

The spokesperson underscored the necessity of acknowledging that there had indeed been external interference in Pakistan's internal affairs, calling for an open and transparent dialogue on this sensitive matter.

Meanwhile, the PTI’s core committee has protested against what they see as a lack of adequate attention to the health and safety of Imran during his incarceration.

The committee has called for the urgent transfer of former premier from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, asserting that his well-being must not be compromised.

Expressing profound disquiet over the delay in allowing Imran Khan to receive food and water from home, the committee expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the behaviour of the ruling authorities in ensuring the health and safety of the PTI chairman.

The committee underscored that Imran Khan's history includes being the target of multiple assassination attempts, and they consider it unacceptable to put his health and safety at risk while under the umbrella of imprisonment resulting from a contentious court ruling.

Citing established rules and jail protocols, the committee emphasised that access to quality and safe sustenance is a fundamental entitlement for former PM. The committee urged the court to take immediate cognisance of the situation and permit Imran Khan to receive food and water from his home.

Furthermore, the committee concluded that an immediate action should be taken by the court to transfer PTI chairman from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail. The transfer is advocated as a necessary step to address the concerns over Khan's well-being and safety, considering the conditions in the current incarceration facility.