The judge overseeing the cypher case trial involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that the proceedings would resume in an open court setting at Adiala Jail due to security concerns preventing Imran's appearance at Islamabad's Federal Judicial Complex (FJC).
Adiala jail officials were unable to comply with the court's order to bring Imran Khan to the FJC, citing significant security risks. Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had nullified the trial proceedings conducted within the jail premises.
The cypher case revolves around a document presented by Imran at a public rally, alleging a foreign conspiracy behind a no-confidence motion faced during his tenure as Prime Minister. The trial, which commenced in Adiala Jail, involved testimonies from witnesses and was disrupted by the IHC's decision.
During the recent hearing, jail authorities presented a report to Judge Zulqarnain detailing concerns from intelligence agencies and the police regarding threats to Imran's life, prompting serious security apprehensions.
Consequently, the special court ruled to continue the trial at Adiala Jail in an open court format, acknowledging reservations about the FJC's security. The upcoming hearing on December 1 will convene at Adiala Jail, allowing journalists and five family members of each accused to attend.
The prosecution will need to reapply for the trial's resumption in the jail, as the court readies for a fresh trial following the IHC's decision to nullify the previous proceedings held there. Barrister Salman Safdar and Advocate Ali Bukhari represented Imran and Qureshi, respectively, while prosecutors Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) appeared in court.
