The special court for the cypher case sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 10 years of imprisonment.
The special court, established under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) provisions, was overseen by Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain. The verdict was pronounced during a session held within the confines of the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings against the former high-ranking officials.
The decision reflects the court’s findings on the matters presented in the cipher case, with substantial implications for both the individuals involved and the broader political landscape.
The case against Imran Khan stemmed from his March 27, 2022, rally in Islamabad, where he displayed a document alleging an “international conspiracy” before his government’s no-confidence vote ouster. On July 19, 2023, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched an investigation into the so-called “cypher-gate,” following the former coalition government’s directive for an inquiry against Imran and associates under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
Imran’s arrest came on August 5, after a local Islamabad court convicted him in the Toshakhana case. Later, on August 29, he faced arrest in the cypher case. According to the challan papers, both Imran and Qureshi were charged under sections 5 and 9 of the OSA, which could lead to the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The cypher trial commenced initially in Adiala jail, but the Islamabad High Court’s division bench later nullified these proceedings, mandating a new trial in an open court.
