The Islamabad High Court has raised concerns over the timing and fairness of the trial in the cipher case, questioning why proceedings were conducted as late as nine o’clock at night. The court emphasized the importance of meeting legal requirements for ensuring a fair trial.
During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court regarding the appeal of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi against their sentence in the cipher case, Founder of PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA Special Prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah appeared before the court.
Barrister Salman Safdar pointed out the lack of documentation regarding the initiation of the inquiry on October 5, 2022. He argued that without this crucial document on the court record, the foundation of the case would be undermined. Additionally, he highlighted discrepancies regarding the involvement of the DG FIA in the case, stating that the inquiry allegedly began before any formal complaint was filed.
Chief Justice Amir Farooq remarked that while the case at hand may not be a white-collar crime or a murder case, it still presents a unique combination of factors. He questioned the necessity of conducting trials late into the night and stressed the importance of adhering to Article Ten A, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb raised concerns about the haste in conducting the trial, suggesting that there may have been a rush to meet deadlines. He remarked that this trial could potentially be one of the most controversial in Islamabad’s history.
The court further inquired about the appointment of government lawyers in the case, seeking clarification on their standing. It was revealed that the Advocate General had recommended public counsel for the defendants.
The Islamabad High Court issued a notice to the Advocate General to provide insights into the appointment process. The court adjourned the hearing on the appeals of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi until the following day, awaiting further information.
