Imran, Qureshi to be indicted in cipher case today

ECP, CEC contempt case hearing to be held in jail

RAWALPINDI:

Former PTI chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be indicted today (Wednesday) in the cipher case as the indictment could not take place in the hearing on Tuesday.

Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the cipher case against Imran and Qureshi at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Moreover, the ECP will hear the defamation case against former PTI chairman Imran Khan and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry today (Wednesday).

The ECP has issued the cause list. The hearing of contempt of ECP and CEC case will be held at 10am at Adiala Jail.

The judgment reserved was pronounced on Dec 6.

During the hearing of the cipher case, the three sisters and wife of Imran, Bushra Bibi, were present in the court established at the Adiala Jail Community Hall. Qureshi's wife, daughter, and son Zain were also present in the court.

The former PTI chairman kept whispering into the ears of his sisters and wife separately, and discussed various issues with the lawyers. Heavy police contingent was present at the entry and exit routes of Adiala Jail.

The Special Court of Official Secrets Act filed six applications on behalf of the accused party while all the parties were instructed to reach Adiala Jail at 11am today.

Further, the hearing on the bail application of the former PTI chairman in the Toshakhana case was also adjourned till today (Wednesday).

During the hearing, the lawyers for the accused filed six different petitions related to incomplete copies of the challan and notification, adopting the stance that limited media was allowed to enter while the majority stood outside.

The court remarked that it was an administrative issue and would look into the matter.

The PTI founder objected to locking the courtroom, saying: “There are no terrorists in our family.”

The court opened the lock to the sitting area for the families inside the courtroom.

Read Special court to conduct Imran, Qureshi`s cypher trial in Adiala jail tomorrow

Judge Zulqarnain remarked that there were administrative issues. “You have no idea how they have been managed. What is due will be given on merit.”

The PTI's lawyer, Salman Safdar, took the stand that haste should not be adopted while moving forward.

The court remarked that produce one evidence where haste had been witnessed.

Safdar contended that two decisions of the Official Secrets Act had been challenged in the IHC.

FIA Prosecutor Shah Khawar said that the IHC did not stop the court from conducting the hearing. “The court should complete the indictment process.”

Judge Zulqarnain remarked that whatever decision he would make it would be based on merit.

“Those who are in jail should be released if they are not found guilty. I am handling the case in a balanced and neutral manner.”

Qureshi said that your court gave the decision of open court, which was appreciated. “If the administration becomes a court above the court, how will the trial proceed?”

The court inquired how to proceed with the trial of the case.

During the hearing, lawyer Usman Gul raised an objection regarding not providing a complete copy of the challan.

The court remarked that it was seven days after the delivery of the copy … “why the objection during this time”? “Copies have been provided to you twice”.

While dealing with six different requests related to copy of challan, notification, and media access, the court fixed Dec 13 (Wednesday) as the date for indictment of Imran and Qureshi.

Meanwhile, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir heard the arguments of the lawyers on the bail application of

Imran in the Toshakhana case and adjourned the hearing till Wednesday (today).

The hearing was adjourned for further arguments of the parties.