Indictment
RAWALPINDI: The special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, made a significant decision on Tuesday by deferring the indictment of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and former foreign minister. The court had initially set December 12 as the date for formally charging Qureshi in the cipher case. However, Judge Abual Hasnat, presiding over the case, opted to delay the proceedings.
During the hearing, Judge Hasnat addressed concerns raised by Salman Safdar, the lawyer representing PTI founder Qureshi. The judge sought clarification on any perceived hastiness in the trial and urged Safdar to pinpoint instances of undue speed in the proceedings.
Safdar highlighted the swiftness of the trial, asserting that they had already contested two judgments from the special court in the Islamabad High Court. In response, Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi argued that the high court had not prohibited the special court from continuing with the case and advocated for the immediate indictment of the accused.
Judge Hasnat asserted that he was proceeding with the case on its merits and subsequently deferred the indictment of PTI founder Qureshi until the following day, December 13.
The cipher case, initiated with the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on August 15 under the Official Secrets Act, stems from a complaint filed by the Home Secretary. The FIR implicated former Prime Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, along with former principal secretary Azam Khan and former planning minister Asad Umar.
The report indicated that actions would be taken against Azam Khan and Asad Umar, as authorities concluded their involvement in the misuse of classified documents. The case revolves around potential breaches of national security and the unauthorized handling of sensitive information, making it a matter of significant legal and political consequence.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
