The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case, directing them to submit surety bonds of Rs1 million each. This decision came from a three-member bench led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and comprised of Justices Athar Minallah and Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, responding to a set of PTI petitions.
Read More: PTI Event Triggers Nationwide Social Media Blackout in Pakistan
The cipher case revolves around a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency claims was not returned by Imran Khan. The PTI asserts that the document contained a US threat to oust Imran as Prime Minister. The Special Court (Official Secrets Act) restarted the cipher trial last week at Adiala district jail, indicting Imran and Shah Mehmood Qureshi for a second time on December 13.
Initially indicted on October 23, the trial faced complications when the Islamabad High Court deemed the government’s notification for a jail trial as “erroneous” and annulled the proceedings. The IHC endorsed Imran’s indictment but urged a “fair trial.”
In a recent move, PTI sought post-arrest bail for Imran in the Supreme Court, emphasizing that bail should not serve as punishment. The SC had earlier issued notices to the FIA and the federation.
During the hearing, Imran’s counsel argued that the special court rushed through 13 witness statements. Justice Masood defended a speedy trial as the accused’s right, questioning why the trial delay was desired. Barrister Safdar sought a separate hearing for the PTI petition challenging the indictment, but Justice Masood stated it would not affect the fresh indictment. PTI’s lawyer highlighted the FIA’s silence for seven months and Imran’s immediate arrest after the Toshakhana case sentence suspension. The court postponed the indictment petition hearing and proceeded to discuss the bail pleas.
