The ongoing Cipher case against PTI founder Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi took a turn on Saturday when the leaders voiced skepticism about state-appointed lawyers. With their legal representatives absent from the special court for the hearing, Malik Abdul Rehman and Hazrat Younus stepped in to cross-examine witnesses on behalf of Khan and Qureshi.
During the hearing, the court inquired about the missing senior lawyers, and Qamar Anayat Raja clarified that Sikander Zulqarnain couldn’t attend due to dental surgery. Prosecutor Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi expressed concerns about frequent adjournments causing inconvenience to witnesses from Dubai.
Despite the explanation, the court conveyed frustration, with Prosecutor Naqvi hinting at intentional delays. Judge Zulqarnain expressed frustration, underscoring the case’s significance. PTI leaders distrusted state-appointed lawyers, highlighting language barriers and requesting proceedings in Urdu.
Imran Khan lamented the denial of consultations with his counsels despite numerous requests. He critiqued the trial’s transparency and urged the judge to remove “infiltrators” from the courtroom. Judge Zulqarnain defended his decisions, referencing approved requests for amenities.
Qureshi confronted the judge, expressing dissatisfaction with state-appointed lawyers. He forcefully tossed a file against the wall, asserting that the case had already been decided. The judge responded, questioning the purpose of delaying the case, and suggested Qureshi cross-examine witnesses himself. In response to the leaders’ distrust, the court instructed authorities to facilitate phone consultations with their counsels and announced a break for discussions.
