IHC reserves verdict on in-camera proceedings of Imran’s bail plea in cipher case

The Islamabad High Court has reserved its decision on the plea of in-camera proceedings of former premier and PTI Chairman Imran Khan's bail application in the cipher case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Monday heard the case.

Barrister Salman Safdar was representing the petitioner while prosecutor Shah Khawar advocate appeared on behalf of the FIA.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice said that only two lawyers should stand on the rostrum as this is not a case of jail facilities.

Prosecutor Shah Khawar told the court that he wanted the petitioner's counsel to make arguments and then he would file some submissions before the court, to which lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar said that there is no denying the fact that the trial is being held under the Official Secrets Act. Security concerns have been cited as the reason for the jail trial in this case. If the court deems it fit, unnecessary persons can be thrown out of the court, he added.

The chief justice remarked if it has to be open, everything would be open. If not, then everything will be in-camera, he said.

The FIA prosecutor said that in three to four days they would submit the challan, on which the Chief Justice remarked that he would see the record of the case, then decide how to proceed.

Later, Chief Justice Farooq reserved the decision on the plea of in-camera proceedings of PTI Chairman Imran Khan's bail application in the cipher case.

The Chief Justice remarked that now the live streaming of the court hearings will be held. If there is a live stream, the whole world will see the court proceedings, the CJ said adding that this process would start from his court. We should prepare accordingly, he remarked smilingly.

 

Reporter Rozina Ali