Siraj expresses ‘deep regret’ over Imran, Qureshi's sentence in cypher case

JI chief demands an independent and impartial commission on the high-profile case

Sirajul Haq, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), has conveyed his deep regret over the court sentence handed down to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the high-profile cypher case.

The special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, earlier today sentenced Khan and Qureshi to 10 years imprisonment during a hearing conducted within the premises of Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Haq expressed his dismay, stating that the case should have been heard in an open court to ensure justice. He emphasised the need for an independent and impartial commission to investigate the cypher case, urging transparency in the legal proceedings.

عمران خان اور شاہ محمود قریشی کو سائفرکیس میں دس دس سال سزا انتہائی قابل افسوس ہے۔
مقدمہ کی سماعت کھلی عدالت میں ہونی چاہیے تھی تاکہ عدل و انصاف کے مروجہ طریقے پورے ہوتے۔ فیصلے آئین، مروجہ قوانین اور قواعد و ضوابط کے مطابق ہونے چاہییں۔ سائفرکیس پر آزاد غیر جانبدار کمیشن بنایا…

— Siraj ul Haq (@SirajOfficial) January 30, 2024

"We demand an independent and impartial commission on the cypher case," Haq asserted, adding that the facts surrounding the case should be presented to the nation.

Haq highlighted the issue of foreign interference in domestic affairs, stating that although American interference has persisted for 76 years, this marks the first instance of such interference being openly discussed in official circles.

Read more: Imran, Qureshi sentenced to 10-year imprisonment in cypher case

The Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami emphasised the right of PTI leaders to appeal against the court's decision, calling for decisions to align with the Constitution, rules, and regulations. Haq reaffirmed the commitment to the struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law in the country.