Imran Khan, Qureshi to be indicted in cipher case on October 17

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan and former foreign minister and party vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be indicted in cipher case on October 17, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Copies of the challan were distributed among the lawyers of the accused in the cipher case during the proceedings of the Official Secrets Act special court at Adiala Jail on Monday. Imran Khan and Qureshi were also present in the court.

Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain declared that the indictment will be announced on October 17 and adjourning the hearing until then.

Special prosecutor Zulfiqar Navi, defence lawyer Salman Safdar were present in the court when the FIA investigating officer submitted the copies of the callan in the court which were later distributed among the accused.

The court proceedings are being conducted inside the Adiala Jail due to security reasons.

The cipher case is related to “misuse” of alleged contents of a diplomatic cipher, cited by ex-prime minister Imran Khan as proof of an attempt to remove his government.

Imran Khan protests poor conditions in prison

Imran Khan on Monday protested against the treatment meted out to him in Adiala jail during the hearing of the cipher case and asked he be treated like any other prisoner, said his lawyer Salman Safdar.

Talking to the media, Safdar said “The chairman protested that he was provided with a room where it was difficult to live, it is also difficult to move or walk in the cell.” Safdar added that he felt that the PTI chief’s blood pressure was high during today’s hearing.

Moreover, the lawyer asked that the trial of the case be conducted in an open court so the public could be aware of it. He added that it was not “right” to hold the trial in jail.

 

Reporter Farzana Siddique