Shah Mahmood Qureshi moves SC for bail in cipher case

Shah Mahmood Qureshi moves SC for bail in cipher case
Source: File Photo

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Vice Chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday moved the Supreme Court (SC) to get bail in the cipher case.

The PTI leader appealed against the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision of November 8 and requested to annul the high court's decision on the matter.

The petition stated that the IHC did not properly assess the facts in the matter.

"A baseless and politically-motivated case has been made against the petitioner," the plea read.

The petition added that the first information report (FIR) does not comply with the law.

The petition further stated that Qureshi enjoys immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution on the basis of being the foreign minister.

On October 27, the IHC rejected the pleas of Khan seeking bail and cancellation of the (FIR in the cipher case.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq had announced the court order which was reserved on October 16 after arguments were completed from both sides.

The PTI chief had challenged the registration of the FIR and sought bail in the case filed against him and the party’s vice Qureshi for misusing the secret document for political gains.

Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 in the cipher case after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) invoked Section 5 of the said law.

The diplomatic cable reportedly went missing from Imran's possession. According to the former ruling party, the cable contained a threat from the United States (US) to topple the PTI’s government.

Khan and Qureshi have been indicted by the special court and are currently incarcerated in Adiala jail in the cipher case.