In the cipher case, due to the absence of defense lawyers for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the Official Secrets Act Special Court has appointed official counsels for both individuals.
During yesterday’s hearing, the Official Secrets Act Special Court issued this ruling, citing the non-appearance of senior counsel on behalf of the accused. Despite multiple opportunities, no senior counsel appeared, leading the court to appoint State Defense Council for the accused.
The court requested a list of lawyers from the Advocate General via email. In response, the Advocate General’s office provided the names of qualified lawyers, and Malik Abdul Rehman Advocate has been appointed as State Defense Council for founder PTI, while Hazrat Yunus Advocate will serve as State Defense Council for Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
These state lawyers will cross-examine the witnesses on January 27, representing the accused in the cipher case.
During yesterday’s hearing, Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain expressed dissatisfaction with the non-appearance of defense counsel.
The lawyers of the accused, Salman Akram Raja, Sikandar Zulqarnain, and Ali Bukhari, failed to appear, preventing the cross-examination of witnesses. Despite granting two respites for the central advocate counsel to appear, they did not show up.
A tense exchange occurred during the hearing of the cipher case, involving Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Imran Khan, and Judge Abul Hasnat.
Following the exchange, Shah Mehmood Qureshi took a file from the State Defense Council and struck it against the wall, leading the judge to issue a warning. Subsequently, Judge Abul Hasnat also exhibited inappropriate behavior towards Imran Khan.
