IHC rejects Imran’s bail and dismissal pleas in cipher case

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday rejected former prime minister Imran Khan’s petition seeking post-arrest bail in the cipher case.

The cipher case pertains to a diplomatic document that the FIA charge sheet alleges was never returned by Imran. The PTI has long held that that the document contained a threat from the United States to oust Imran as prime minister.

On Monday, both Imran and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted by a special court hearing the case. They have pleaded not guilty.

Imran had filed several petitions in the IHC — seeking to stay his jail trial, for bail in the cipher case, against his indictment in the cipher case, to suspend the Toshakhana verdict, and one seeking cancellation of the first information report in the cipher case.

On Oct 16, the IHC had reserved its verdict on the pleas seeking bail and quashing of the FIR while also disposing of the petition challenging the PTI chief’s jail trial.

A day ago, the IHC endorsed Imran’s indictment, disposing of his plea against the same, but also instructed the special court judge to ensure a “fair trial”.

Today, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq pronounced the reserved verdict, rejecting the former premier’s pleas seeking post-arrest bail and the quashing of the case.

Speaking to the media outside the court, Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, said, “There is no court in Pakistan that can give justice to the PTI chairman.”

Vowing to stand with her brother, she asserted he was the party leader even if he was in jail. “What the PTI chairman said to us in jail on October 24 is being proven correct,” Aleema said.

“He said that this was not the London plan but an agreement was made in London. Whatever is happening now is taking place under that agreement and our courts are enabling that,” she alleged.

The sister went on to claim that it was part of the agreement to keep her brother behind bars during the upcoming general elections.

“The PTI chairman said that as per the agreement, he might not be released even after the elections,” Aleema said. “The lawyers will continue their efforts but the public should not have any hope.”

Last month, the special court had rejected Imran’s and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s bail pleas in the cipher case.

On September 30, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted a challan — a charge sheet — in a special court established under the Official Secrets Act naming PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Imran as the principal accused in the case.

courtesy : Dawn news