IHC issues stay order against PTI chairman’s trial in cipher case

The Islamabad High Court has issued an stay order on the trial of the cipher case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

The court proceedings include an intra-court appeal against the jail trial of the cipher case involving the chairman PTI.

Simultaneously, the court also addressed an appeal against the appointment of the judge of the Official Secret Act Court.

Justices Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb and Thaman Rifat Imtiaz presided over the hearing, which delved into the details of the federal cabinet’s approval for the prison trial of the cipher case.

The Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan presened the notification of the cabinet’s decision before the court.

During the proceedings, Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb emphasized scrutinizing the contents of the notification to understand the basis for the prison trial.

AGP clarified that this is not an extraordinary trial but merely a prison trial, defending the limited access for family members as not constituting an open court.

Justice Hasan Aurangzeb questioned the unconventional circumstances surrounding the trial and raised concerns about its compliance with High Court rules.

The Anti-Terrorism Court judge, appointed to oversee the Official Secrets Act Court, came under scrutiny as the executive initiated and completed the process, with limited consultation with the Chief Justice.

Comparisons were drawn to the trial of the Indira Gandhi assassination case, highlighting that although it took place in jail, journalists were allowed to cover the proceedings.

The court, acknowledging the need for further examination, issued an injunction on the cipher case trial and summoned all related records.

The hearing, adjourned until November 16, underscores the legal complexities surrounding the case and the efforts of the Islamabad High Court to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.