Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s legal team, represented by Barrister Salman Safdar, raised accusations against ex-principal secretary Azam Khan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding mishandling of secret documents. During arguments before the Islamabad High Court division bench, Safdar highlighted alleged breaches of rules in protecting confidential diplomatic cables.
According to Safdar, Azam Khan neglected to monitor and maintain the movement of a sensitive diplomatic cable, leading to the charge of misplacing the cipher against Imran Khan. He also pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to follow procedures outlined in the government’s security protocols.
The counsel argued that an inquiry should have been conducted by the ministry, involving the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and an FIR should have been registered as per government regulations. However, these steps were purportedly not taken, resulting in Azam Khan being cited as a prosecution witness by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which Safdar claimed sabotaged the case.
The court adjourned further proceedings until the following day, with special prosecutor retired justice Hamid Ali Shah scheduled to present arguments. Meanwhile, a separate development saw Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, filing a petition alleging health issues and potential poisoning while residing in Banigala (declared a sub-jail), seeking a transfer to Adiala jail for medical assessment and safeguarding of her rights.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb issued notices regarding Bushra Bibi’s petition to the government and Adiala jail administration. Additionally, a petition by Bushra Bibi seeking a transfer to Adiala jail was dismissed due to non-prosecution as her legal representatives were absent during the hearing.
