The Supreme Court of Pakistan has granted bail to Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the founder and Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in the cipher case. Both leaders were asked to submit surety bonds worth Rs1 million each by the apex court.
A three-member bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, heard the appeal. Earlier, a special court under the Official Secrets Act decided that the trial proceedings against Qureshi would be held privately in Adiala Jail.
Judge Abul Hasnaat Zulqarnain announced the verdict, stating that due to the Official Secrets Act's Section 14, the cipher case must be conducted confidentially. The prosecutor emphasized the need for secrecy, arguing that since the cipher was classified, the proceedings should also remain private. Qureshi's counsel contested the jail trial and requested an open trial, but the court indicted Qureshi publicly.
Later, upon the prosecutor's request, the court ordered confidential proceedings for the cipher case. The previous day, charges had been framed against Qureshi, and the trial was scheduled to commence with witness statements being recorded.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had urged the court to conduct the cipher case proceedings in private. Notices were issued to the former PTI chairman and Qureshi's legal representatives for the hearing.
