Cipher case: Imran, Qureshi to be indicted on October 17

Cipher case: Imran, Qureshi to be indicted on October 17

Islamabad: The Special Official Secrets Act Court on Monday set a date of October 17 to indict Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan and party's vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

Special Court Judge Abul Hasanat Zul-Qarnain heard the cipher case in Adial Jail where PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chairman PTI were produced, moreover, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Special prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi, Imran Khan lawyer Salman Safdar also appeared in the special court in Adiala jail.

During the hearing, Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi said that he could not provide copies of the complete case, but those copies that were necessary have been provided.

The court said that the regular trial of the cipher case has started. Charges will be filed at a later date.

The court further said that on October 17 all government witnesses will be summoned along with the charge sheet.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar during his media talk after attending a special court hearing of the cipher said PTI Chief protested against the treatment meted out to him in Adiala jail during the hearing of the cipher case and asked he be treated like any other prisoner.

"The PTI chief strongly protested during the hearing in the court," said Safdar, 

"The chairman protested that he was provided with a room where it was difficult to live, it is also difficult to move or walk in the cell."

He further added his suspicion that he felt that the PTI chief’s blood pressure was high during today’s hearing.

Marwat also expressed his discontent over the judge’s attitude, claiming that Judge Zulqarnain had adopted a confrontational style during the hearing.