Cipher Case
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a release order for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been detained at Adiala Jail in connection with the cipher case. The cipher case revolves around a missing diplomatic document allegedly in Khan’s possession, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claiming it contained a threat from the United States to remove Khan from office due to his stance on Russia.
Former Prime Minister Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have faced trial under the Official Secrets Act, with all hearings conducted within Adiala Jail. On December 22, a three-member Supreme Court bench, including Acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, approved bail petitions for Khan and Qureshi in the cipher case.
The court directed the release of the leaders on bail upon the submission of surety bonds worth Rs1 million each. While Khan’s lawyer, Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, submitted the surety bond, the court emphasized that the imprisonment of the leaders would not serve any purpose, and their release could lead to “genuine elections.”
In a nine-page written order, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah clarified that maximum punishment under the Official Secrets Act is applicable only if an action has been aided by a foreign power. He noted that bail can be granted if there is no reasonable ground to believe the accused committed the offence but sufficient grounds for further inquiry.
Justice Minallah, in an additional note, highlighted the public importance of releasing Khan and Qureshi during an election period. He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan envisions the government’s authority based on the will of the people, ensuring equal opportunities for all parties and candidates during elections. The court criticized the Islamabad High Court’s denial of bail to Khan based on the available material
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