PTI lawyer Babar Awan disclosed on Monday that imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan seeks the summoning of an “ex-army general and a US envoy” by the special court handling the cipher case.
During the case proceedings at Adiala Jail, where Imran is currently held, Awan stated that Imran emphasized the appearance of a US embassy representative and mentioned the name of a former general.
Although the PTI lawyer refrained from identifying the ex-military officer, media attendees at the cipher case hearing reported Imran referring to retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former army chief.
Read more:Imran Khan, Qureshi’s Cipher Case Trial Reopens at Adiala Jail Today
The cipher case revolves around a diplomatic document, allegedly retained by Imran as stated in the Federal Investigation Agency’s charge sheet. PTI contends that the document contained a US threat to remove Imran from the premiership.
Imran and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, both in custody, were initially indicted on October 23. Despite pleading not guilty, the trial faced setbacks when the Islamabad High Court nullified the government’s jail trial notification, prompting a fresh trial.
Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain directed the trial to resume at Adiala Jail in an open court following the court’s judgment. However, during a recent hearing, media personnel were restricted from entering the jail premises, causing disruption.
Qureshi urged the court to summon President Dr Arif Alvi to clarify his assent to alterations in the Official Secrets Act, 1923, pertaining to the case. In August, President Alvi denied sanctioning changes, prompting a clash with the law ministry.
Today, the special court ruled to re-indict Imran and Qureshi in the cipher case on December 12. The ongoing trial has witnessed numerous twists, including the call for influential witnesses and disputes over legal amendments, underscoring the gravity and complexity of the case.
