Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, has claimed that the judge in the cipher trial rendered his verdict based on ‘instructions.’ Speaking to the press outside Adiala Jail following the sentencing, Aleema expressed her lack of concern about the verdict, asserting that it would ultimately be overturned. She characterized the decision as a ‘funeral’ for justice.
According to Aleema, the trial was a ‘sham,’ emphasizing that crucial witnesses, Azam Khan and Asad Majeed, were not subjected to cross-examination. She alleged that the court was reluctant to have the names of General Bajwa and Donald Lu brought up during the proceedings.
Accusing the judge of delivering the judgment under external ‘instructions’ and attempting to safeguard his position, Aleema also claimed that the judge had behaved improperly towards her.
In a call to action, she urged voters to ensure a 100% turnout in the upcoming elections, asserting that it was the sole means to combat the perceived ‘unjust’ system prevailing in the country.
For the hearing, Khan’s sisters and Qureshi’s children were present at the jail. Reports had suggested that the court would record statements from Khan and Qureshi under section 342 of the criminal procedure code.
PTI leaders claimed that their lawyers were denied entry to Adiala Jail. However, the judge stated that their lawyers declined to appear. Imran Khan, who has been in prison since his arrest on August 5, was granted bail in the Toshakhana case but was subsequently arrested in the cipher case within the prison.
Notably, he has not been physically present at any court hearing, with the judge traveling to Adiala Jail for the trial. Khan had to approach the court to secure permission for his family and media representatives to witness the proceedings.
