Islamabad High Court seeks Advocate General’s response on Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s cipher case appeals

ISLAMABAD, March 19 (SABAH): The Islamabad High Court (IHC)  issued on Tuesday a notice to the Advocate General Islamabad, calling for a response to appeals lodged against the conviction of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the case in which notable figures including family members of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, elected representatives, senators, and legal experts also attended.

Lawyers representing Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, namely Barrister Salman Safdar, Sikandar Zulqarnain, and others, presented arguments before the bench.

Salman Safdar, the legal representative of the accused, initiated the proceedings by scrutinising the procedural aspects of the case.

He highlighted alleged discrepancies in the filing process of the FIR, emphasising irregularities in dates and the absence of crucial documentation linking the defendants to the case.

Drawing attention to the role of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the initiation of the inquiry, Safdar underscored the necessity of adhering to legal protocols. He asserted that the inquiry allegedly commenced prior to the formal filing of the complaint, casting doubt on the integrity of the investigation process.

In response to queries from the bench regarding the conduct of the trial, the defense stressed the importance of upholding the principles of fair trial as enshrined in Article 10-A. They raised concerns over the timing and conduct of the trial, suggesting potential infringements on the defendants’ rights.

The court, while acknowledging the complexity of the case, underscored the need to ensure a transparent and equitable legal process. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq emphasized the significance of cross-examination and expressed a commitment to upholding the defendants’ rights throughout the proceedings.

Furthermore, the court deliberated on the status of the government-appointed lawyers and sought clarification on their standing in the case. The defense reiterated concerns over the timing of the trial and highlighted challenges faced during the proceedings. The court adjourned further hearing of the case till tomorrow (Wednesday).