IHC rejects plea for stopping cipher case trial

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rejected the plea for immediate stopping of the trial of cipher case and issued notice to the Attorney General (AG) and FIA on the petition filed by PTI founder Imran Khan against the in-camera trial in cipher case.

The case came up for hearing before a single bench of IHC led by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb here Thursday. Justice Miangul remarked, “We want to hear AG on this matter.”

Expressing his surprise over giving deadline of four weeks by the IHC Chief Justice (CJ) for the completion of the trial of the cipher case remarked, “We don’t give four-week time in general cases.”

Suleman Akram Raja, counsel for the petitioner, said the court announced the decision to hold an in-camera trial at the request of the prosecution. It is written in the decision there will be a ban on coverage of cipher case too because relations with friendly countries can be affected due to the reporting of court proceedings. A ban has been imposed on media and social media to publishing proceedings of cipher case. The family members of the accused are conditionally allowed to sit in trial. But they have been made bound that they cannot talk about court’s proceedings.”

Suleman Akram Raja said it has been said by the prosecution that the act by Imran Khan has affected cipher security. They levelled this allegation but no clarification was given on what was security. The concerned authorities say that cipher codes are changed after some months.

Justice Miangul Hassan inquired had court issued notice on the application for in-camera proceedings when the accused were indicted. The court remarked problem is coming in this case. One lawyer is dealing with trial while another lawyer is filing appeals.

Suleman Akram Raja told the court that Punjotha is here who is dealing with trial. He has told that the indictment was made on December 14. Notice was issued for December 14 on December 13 application for in-camera trial. Hearing is being held in the court on a day-to-day basis being direction case.

The court inquired how it is a direct case. Suleman Akram Raja told the court single bench while rejecting Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s bail, directed to complete the trial within 4 weeks.

The judge, while expressing surprise, asked if it was correct that 4-week time has been given. We don’t give 4 weeks ‘ time for common cases.

Suleman Akram Raja requested the court to issue a stay order on the trial of cipher case. The court remarked, “We are issuing notice to AG. Let us hear him first.” Later the hearing of the case was adjourned.