The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has held back its decision on a petition submitted by PTI Chairman Imran Khan, contesting the Ministry of Law's choice to conduct his trial in the cipher case at Attock jail.
Imran Khan was incarcerated on August 5 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. His sentence was temporarily suspended by the IHC on August 29. However, a special court ordered Attock jail authorities to retain him in connection with the cipher case. Subsequently, the special court extended his judicial remand in the cipher case until September 13.
After hearing arguments today, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq reserved the verdict on Imran Khan's plea. The court had previously requested an explanation from the respondents regarding the notice.
It is noteworthy that Imran Khan and the PTI vice chairman were accused of 'intentionally misplacing a copy of the diplomatic cipher.' The First Information Report (FIR) was filed on August 15 under the Official Secrets Act, based on a complaint by the Home Secretary.
The case emerged when Azam Khan, former principal secretary to the PTI chairman and ex-prime minister, resurfaced after being 'missing' for several months. He made startling revelations about the use of a US cipher by the former prime minister for 'political advantage' and to thwart a no-confidence motion against him. Azam Khan provided these details while recording his statement under CrPC 164 before a magistrate."
