IHC stops cypher case trial against Imran Khan

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday stopped the trial of cypher case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

According to the details, IHC Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb heard the petition against the in-camera trial of cypher case.

At the beginning of the hearing, Justice Miangul Hassan asked what your point is. On this, lawyer Usman Gul said the point is that the legal procedure was not completed before the indictment, the notification referred to by the judge is dated December 1 and the cypher trial is underway on a daily basis.

The court asked how many witness statements have been completed so far. The lawyer said that the statements of 25 of the total 27 witnesses and the cross-examination of three have been completed.

During the hearing, Imran Khan's lawyer requested an injunction on the cypher trial, which the court rejected, saying that there will be notices first.

The court issued a notice to the federal government on the plea against indictment in the cypher case and directed Imran Khan's lawyer to submit all necessary documents related to the trial at the next hearing.

During the hearing, the court also raised questions on the in-camera trial stating that open trial means open in which the media and public are allowed to come.

The court added that regarding the in-camera trial, the clear orders have been issued by the court that jail trial does not mean in-camera but it can also be an open trial, it cannot be called an open trial with only the family and a few people.

The court issued an injunction on the cypher trial and stayed it till January 11.

It has also been stated by the court that the statements of the witnesses recorded in the case have legal questions, which the court will consider on January 11.

It is important to mention that the in-camera trial of the cypher case against Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood is ongoing in Adiala Jail.