Plea against transferring cipher case to Attock Jail, IHC seeks response

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken steps to solicit feedback from the law ministry and other relevant parties regarding PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s plea.

This plea pertains to the recent decision to relocate the hearing of the cipher case from Islamabad to Attock Jail.

The cipher case against Imran Khan is being heard by a special court, which was recently instituted for this purpose.

This action by the IHC comes shortly after the former Prime Minister lodged a petition with the court, addressing the issue.

Notably, this move followed his cipher case hearing held at the office of the deputy superintendent of Attock district jail. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated in Attock Jail following his conviction in the Toshakhana graft case.

During the hearing, Marwat, the legal representative, apprised the IHC that the court’s registrar had raised two objections upon receiving the petition.

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He clarified that one objection centered around the presence of “multiple requests” within the same petition. Responding to this, the Chief Justice queried the significance of this point, indicating a willingness to remove the objections provided substantial arguments were presented.

Justice Farooq inquired about the shifting of the court venue. The PTI lawyer responded, outlining that the designated court for cases filed under the Secrets Act was typically overseen by a magistrate. He critiqued the authorization of an anti-terrorism court judge to preside over cases filed under the Official Secrets Act, deeming it incorrect.

In light of these proceedings, Marwat urged the court to dispatch notices to the respondents, seeking their input on the matter. The Chief Justice granted this request.

Additionally, Marwat urged the court to schedule the next hearing for the upcoming week due to its pressing nature. Justice Farooq concurred and adjourned the hearing until the following week.

The exact date for the subsequent hearing remains pending finalization.