IHC rejects PTI request for stay order on Imran’s cipher trial

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday rejected the PTI’s request that sought an immediate stay order on former prime minister Imran Khan’s in-camera trial in the cipher case.

IHC Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb took up PTI founder Imran Khan’s petition against the in-camera trial in the cipher case.

The court issued a notice to the federation and sought its responses to the PTI petition.

IHC also issued directives for all case documents to be submitted to the court.

At the outset of today’s proceedings, PTI counsel Salman Usman Gul sought an immediate stay order on the cipher trial.

However, the request was rejected as the judge said notices would be first issued to the respondents.

Justice Aurangzeb, at one point, inquired if an authorised government officer could directly approach the court and file a complaint.

PTI counsel Salman Usman Gul responded in the affirmative but highlighted that a first information report, not a complaint, had been registered in the cipher case.

“The case is being heard daily. So far, statements of 25 witnesses have been recorded and three were cross-examined,” the lawyer revealed, adding that there were a total of 28 witnesses in the case.

PTI counsel also requested that the IHC direct the special court to conduct the trial after five to six days. “The special court can complete the trial during this time,” he warned.

However, Justice Aurangzeb said the court was first issuing notices and adjourned the hearing.

The former PTI chief Imran Khan, who remains behind bars, had last week moved the IHC against his indictment in the cipher case as well as its proceedings by the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act.