In a special court hearing the cipher case on Tuesday, both former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Shah Mahmood Qureshi were handed a 10-year jail term each.
The trial, taking place in Adiala Jail since last year, accused them of distorting diplomatic cipher facts and conspiring to misuse its contents. Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain delivered the verdict, stating that there was sufficient evidence supporting the charges.
The PTI has announced its intention to challenge the verdict in the Islamabad High Court, criticizing the decision as a mockery of justice. The defense counsel's right of cross-examination was previously contested, alleging delay tactics.
