Imran Khan challenges in-camera hearing of cipher case in Islamabad High Court

Former prime minister Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court challenging the trial court's order of in-camera hearing of the cipher case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Wednesday.

The petition argues that the order of December 14 of the cipher court is a violation of the decision of the Islamabad High Court of November 21, which allowed an open trial of the case.

The petition also contends that the trial court's order banning the reporting of the cipher case is a creative constitution and against the principles of transparency and accountability.

The petition pleads that justice should not just be done but be seen to be done, and that Imran Khan fulfilled his constitutional duty as Prime Minister by disclosing the cipher issue to the public.

The petition requests that the trial court's decision of December 14 should be declared null and void, and that the trial court should be restrained from further proceedings until the decision of this petition.

The petition also asserts that an open trial in the presence of the public and the media is necessary to meet the requirements of justice. The petition was filed by Advocate Barrister Salman Akram Raja on behalf of Khan.