In a recent development, the special court overseeing cases related to the Official Secrets Act has decided to extend the judicial remand of Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the cipher case. The extension adds 14 more days to Khan’s time in custody.
The proceedings of the cipher case, which involves the PTI chairman, took place within the premises of Attock Jail. The Ministry of Law provided official authorization for this hearing. Imran Khan appeared before Judge Abul Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain of the special court. Following the hearing, Judge Hasnat promptly departed for Islamabad.
As a result of this decision, Imran Khan will remain in prison until September 13 while on judicial remand.
Naeem Panjotha, leading Imran Khan’s legal team, encountered a delay of around an hour and a half at the entrance before being granted access to the proceedings.
Due to security concerns expressed by the ministry, the decision was made to hold the cipher case hearing for the PTI chairman within the jail premises. Judge Abul Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain, presiding over cases under the Official Secrets Act, was assigned to oversee the cipher case proceedings as per the ministry’s official notification.
In light of the situation, security measures were heightened around the jail vicinity. Both police and Elite Force personnel were stationed around the prison, and all routes leading to the jail were cordoned off.
Earlier this week, Imran Khan was re-arrested in the cipher case shortly after the suspension of his sentence in the Toshakhana criminal case. He was then placed on judicial remand until August 30, as pronounced by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain of the Official Secrets Act court.
Read more: Imran khan Re-Arrested in Cipher Case after Released from Attock Jail
Shortly before this development, the Islamabad High Court had suspended Imran Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana criminal case. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri of the IHC accepted Khan’s appeal, resulting in the decision to release him from jail. He has been instructed to submit bail bonds worth Rs100,000.
These recent events mark a significant turn of events in the legal proceedings involving Imran Khan. As the legal process unfolds, the country watches closely to see what the future holds for the PTI chairman.
