An Islamabad court has postponed the next hearing in the high-profile cipher case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The proceedings, which were scheduled for today, were adjourned without any arguments or legal discussions taking place.
Hearing Postponed Due to Judge's Absence
The hearing was set to be held at the Federal Judicial Complex in the capital. However, Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain of the Official Secrets Act court was on leave, which led to the automatic adjournment of the case. The court has now officially listed the next hearing for Thursday, May 30. Both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the primary accused in this case, are currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
This case, often referred to as the cipher case, centers on allegations of mishandling and misusing a classified diplomatic cable for political purposes. The prosecution alleges that the confidential document was improperly used to build a narrative against state institutions. The legal proceedings have been ongoing for several months, with both PTI leaders pleading not guilty to the charges framed against them under the Official Secrets Act.
Legal Proceedings and Previous Hearings
The last significant development in this case occurred earlier this month when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Despite this bail order, both leaders remain in prison due to their convictions in other cases. The cipher case itself continues to move forward in the special court.
The adjournment is part of a series of delays that have characterized the legal process. Court hearings in Pakistan are frequently rescheduled due to logistical issues, security concerns, or the unavailability of judges or lawyers. Today's postponement adds to the timeline of a case that is being closely watched both nationally and internationally.
Context and Political Implications
The cipher case is one of the most significant legal challenges facing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership. It stems from events in March 2022 when Imran Khan, then the Prime Minister, waved a piece of paper at a public rally, claiming it was evidence of a foreign conspiracy to topple his government. The subsequent filing of charges under the Official Secrets Act has sparked intense political debate and legal scrutiny.
The repeated adjournments and the prolonged incarceration of the accused have become a focal point for PTI supporters and critics of the current administration. The party maintains that the cases are politically motivated, aimed at sidelining its leadership ahead of elections and during the ongoing political turmoil.
With the new hearing date set for May 30, all eyes will now be on the Federal Judicial Complex at the end of the month. It remains to be seen whether the proceedings will move forward on that date or face further delays in this legally complex and politically charged case.
