Imran Khan and PTI Challenge Convictions in Cypher Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is currently hearing appeals from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and senior party leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi challenging their convictions in the cypher case. The case revolves around the mishandling of a confidential document by Imran Khan during his tenure as prime minister, leading to his government's ouster.

The controversy began when Imran Khan publicly displayed a paper during a rally in Islamabad, claiming it as evidence of an 'international conspiracy.' This action triggered an official inquiry under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), resulting in Imran's arrest and subsequent sentencing to 10 years in prison along with Qureshi.

During the recent hearing, the court focused on the retrieval and disappearance of the cypher document. The prosecution argued that Imran Khan violated protocol by retaining the document instead of returning it to the foreign ministry. Witness testimonies, particularly from Azam Khan, the former principal secretary to the prime minister, played a crucial role in linking the cypher to Imran Khan.

The defense raised objections regarding the authenticity of the cypher document and highlighted the political context of Imran's actions, suggesting they were aimed at garnering public support. The court also delved into the nature of confidential information transmitted through the cypher, questioning the criteria for classification and disclosure.

As the hearing adjourned until May 2, the legal battle surrounding the cypher case continues to unfold, shedding light on the complexities of handling sensitive information in the political realm.