Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi object to state counsels in Cipher case

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi objected to the state counsels representing them in the cipher case owing to absence of their own lawyers.

As the hearing commenced, Malik Abdul Rehman and Hazrat Younus appeared in court to represent Khan and Qureshi, respectively, for cross-examination of the witnesses.

The court asked about the senior lawyers of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qurehsi.

Assistant lawyer Qamar Anayat Raja filed an application to postpone the hearing, citing senior counsel Sikander Zulqarnain's dental surgery as the reason for his absence.

According to the reports,  Imran Khan expressed distrust in the state-appointed lawyers and urged the case proceedings to be held in Urdu. He complained about not being allowed to consult with his counsels despite repeated requests.

Qureshi also engaged in a heated argument, asking  the judge for the verdict and expressing distrust in the state counsels. He even threw the file provided by state-appointed lawyers, claiming their defense was handled by prosecution-nominated lawyers.

Special Prosecutor Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi expressed concern about the repeated adjournment requests, emphasizing the inconvenience to witnesses who traveled from Dubai for cross-examination.

Despite explanations about the ongoing dental surgery, the court expressed dismay.

Prosecutor Naqvi questioned the regularity of lawyers’ appearances, suggesting deliberate delays. Lawyer Raja defended, submitting that the adjournment request was due to Sikandar's dental surgery.

The prosecution filed a petition seeking termination of the right to cross-examine witnesses.

The court, later, directed authorities to allow PTI leaders to consult with their counsels by phone and announced a break in the proceedings for consultations.