ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Special Court, operating under the jurisdiction of the Official Secrets Act, made a significant decision on Friday regarding the ongoing Cipher case, opting to extend the physical remand of Shah Mahmood Qureshi for further three days.
Today, Shah Mehmood Qureshi was brought before the court after the completion of a four-day period of physical remand. This development took place within the context of the Cipher case, a matter that has attracted substantial attention.
In a session conducted behind closed doors, Judge Abul Hasnat, presiding over the Islamabad Special Court, oversaw proceedings concerning the Cipher case, which revolves around PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Representing Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the court was senior advocate Shoaib Shaheen, while the prosecution was led by FIA special prosecutor Shah Khawar.
During the hearing, Shah Mehmood Qureshi conveyed to the court that, during his tenure as the foreign minister, he indeed transmitted the Cipher to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He categorically denied any involvement in the alleged theft of the Cipher, firmly asserting his innocence.
The FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) had submitted a request for a nine-day extension of Qureshi’s physical remand. However, this proposal faced resistance from Shoaib Shaheen. Consequently, the court decided to withhold its judgment initially and later communicated its verdict.
Ultimately, the court sanctioned a three-day extension of Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s physical remand, granting FIA custody over the PTI leader for this duration. Following the court’s decision, FIA officials assumed custody of him.
The genesis of this case lies in the filing of an FIR (First Information Report) on August 15. This legal action was undertaken against both PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The allegations pertain to the purported misplacement of a diplomatic cable originating from the United States. The charges were laid under the provisions of sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act of 1923, in conjunction with Section 34 of the PPC (Pakistan Penal Code).
It is worth noting that the FIR was lodged following an application submitted by Interior Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar.
