The Islamabad High Court (IHC) consolidated the separate appeals filed by the imprisoned PTI Chairman, Imran Khan.
The petitions aim to halt the trial court’s proceedings in the cipher case and to invalidate the case. Khan faced charges under the Official Secrets Act 1923 after a diplomatic cable allegedly disappeared from his possession.
As per PTI claims, this cable contained a threat from the US intending to oust the PTI government. With a trial court planning to indict Khan and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on October 17, Khan’s counsel appealed for the court’s intervention.
The Controversy Unraveled: Ciphergate
In March 2022, Khan drew public attention when he displayed a letter during a rally, hinting at a foreign conspiracy against his government. Without disclosing its full content or source, he later implicated the US, specifically referencing Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs, Donald Lu. The document reportedly detailed a meeting between the former Pakistani ambassador to the US, Majeed, and Lu.
The National Security Committee (NSC) initially condemned the US’s perceived meddling, but subsequent NSC investigations found no evidence supporting Khan’s claims of external conspiracy.
Audio Leaks and Further Investigations
Two leaked audio recordings surfaced online, allegedly capturing conversations between Khan, then-federal minister Asad Umar, and then-principal secretary Azam, discussing the cipher’s strategic use. Prompted by these leaks, a federal cabinet committee was formed to investigate. The case was handed over to the FIA by October for further scrutiny.
Judicial and Legal Developments
The FIA’s summons to Khan and other PTI leaders were resisted, leading Khan to obtain a stay order. However, the Lahore High Court (LHC) eventually revoked this stay order in July.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold, especially with the upcoming indictment date looming.
 joins Imran Khan's petitions against the cipher case proceedings. As the trial court gears up for the October 17 indictment, the case's complexities deepen with audio leaks, legal developments, and the looming shadow of the US.){kind=link}