On Monday, a special court in Pakistan formally charged the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, in the cipher case. This case alleges that Khan violated the nation’s official secrets laws. The charges stem from Khan’s alleged disclosure of a secret diplomatic cable (referred to as a cipher) sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March of the previous year. Notably, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also faced similar charges and was indicted alongside Khan.
Imran Khan had made use of this confidential document to construct a narrative that his government had been ousted due to a foreign conspiracy. The legal proceedings took place within the confines of the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, presided over by Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain. Both Khan and Qureshi have entered pleas of not guilty in response to these charges.
Following the indictment, the court adjourned the hearing, with the formal trial set to commence on October 27. This development followed a previous adjournment after the court had initially scheduled the indictment for October 23. Khan’s legal team had raised concerns about the lack of access to the charge sheet, prompting the delay.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had presented the charge sheet against Khan and Qureshi on September 30, with both individuals signing copies of the document. The case had originally been set for indictment on October 17 but was postponed in light of the concerns raised by Khan’s legal representatives.
This case represents a significant development in Pakistan’s political and legal landscape, with a former Prime Minister facing charges related to the disclosure of confidential diplomatic information and allegations of a foreign conspiracy behind his government’s ouster. The formal trial, scheduled to begin later this month, will be closely watched by the nation and international observers for its potential implications.
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