Former Prime Minister and PTI Chief, Imran Khan, embroiled in a legal battle over accusations of leaking state secrets, has moved the court to contest a jail trial in the ongoing cipher case.
The Islamabad High Court bench, presided over by Justice Gul Hassan and Justice Saman Rafat, commenced hearings on the appeal filed by the outspoken politician, seeking to avoid a jail trial in the cipher case.
Previously, the court had issued a stay order against the jail trial, casting doubts on the government’s notifications regarding the trial, citing potential conflicts with high court rules.
During the recent court session, the Attorney General highlighted concerns, asserting that the intra-court appeal might not be admissible, challenging its legitimacy.
Imran Khan’s counsel, Salman Akram Raja, assured the court of addressing objections raised by the Attorney General regarding the trial proceedings.
PTI Chairman’s legal representative, Naeem Haider Panjotha, appeared before the court as the case was heard by Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Despite Imran Khan’s plea to postpone the charge-sheet, the special court judge declined, emphasizing that “Today is the day for indictment.”
The cipher case, registered under the Official Secrets Act, implicates Imran Khan and several of his party members for allegedly disclosing classified information. Khan, known for his vocal allegations of a US conspiracy aimed at his removal from power, has consistently contested these charges in fiery public speeches.
As legal proceedings continue, the high-profile case remains a focal point, highlighting the intersection of law, politics, and national security in Pakistan.
