- June 3, 2024
- Kainat Shakeel
- 0
The PTI founder Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were cleared in the cipher case by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday, providing significant relief. The former premier and diplomat filed appeals against their convictions in the case, and IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb then gave the brief ruling. Imran’s sentencing in the Iddat case and Qureshi’s detention in the subsequent May 9 cases mean that neither of them will likely be released from prison. Today, the Iddat case was moved to a different judge, and Qureshi remains in physical remand until Wednesday, June 5.
Imran and Qureshi were both given 10-year prison terms by a special court constituted under the Official Secrets Act in January, following Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain’s appointment of a state attorney on their behalf. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) charge sheet in the cipher case concerns a diplomatic paper that the then-prime minister, Imran, allegedly never returned. Imran had long maintained that the document included a US threat to overthrow his government. Omar Ayub, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, applauded the decision and demanded their quick release.
Speaking to the media, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated: “Today, the country witnessed the just verdict, the flag of justice being raised, and the removal of the bogus case that had Imran Khan imprisoned for almost a year and a half. Happiness reigns today, as the country will soon see Imran Khan’s arrival outside. Shibli Faraz, the leader of the Senate opposition, declared that God had rewarded the PTI pair, calling the decision a “wave of fresh air.” The party also expressed hope that justice will be given in its other lawsuit involving the reserved seats in the Supreme Court.
In an interview with Geo News, PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar stated that the verdict, albeit being postponed because of the prosecution’s strategies, was a triumph for justice. “The outcome is expected and in line with justice. It was hoped that this would be the exact choice, the speaker stated. Zafar continued, saying the decision validated the PTI’s claim that the cipher case was a “false one” and that Imran should be asked to pardon the government for keeping him behind bars on an “illegal and wrong case.” The state had “badly failed” to prove its case, according to Imran’s attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and even the prosecution had given up on the case. “I commend the honorable judges.
It was an instance of initial perception. He declared, “Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi did not engage in any anti-state action. He also praised the two leaders for their perseverance, tolerance, and lack of incessant questioning of the legal team over matters of release throughout the case. Safdar stated that Imran’s release was imminent and that the cipher case was the most significant and serious one to date. The Supreme Court ruled today that no traitor was present and that his case was being heard. Imran Khan always acted in the best interests of the country. In a statement, the PTI asked the courts to handle the “false cases” against all political detainees as quickly as feasible and to free them from detention.