Asad Umar dismisses arrest reports, secures bail in cipher case

ISLAMABAD: Asad Umar, the former secretary-general of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has obtained interim bail in the cipher case after a special court hearing cases under the Official Secrets Act granted him reprieve on Tuesday.

Defying swirling rumors of his apprehension in the cipher case, Umar made a proactive move by approaching a special court in Islamabad earlier in the day to secure interim bail.

Presiding Judge Abu Al-Hasnat Zulqarnain entertained Asad Umar’s plea and, after initial arguments presented by his lawyer Babar Awan, the former minister was granted interim bail until August 29.

Missing ‘cypher’ copy: FIR against Shah Mahmood Qureshi, PTI Chief surfaces

During his appearance in the special court, Asad Umar categorically rejected the speculations about his arrest, emphasizing that he had cooperated with the investigation on two occasions. He emphasized that the news of his arrest lacked any factual basis.

Umar clarified that his presence in the court was solely for the purpose of attending the cipher case hearing, and he had also filed a pre-arrest bail plea in connection with the cipher case.

Expressing confidence in his innocence, he asserted that he anticipates exoneration in the cipher case.

It is pertinent to highlight that reports had circulated two days prior indicating Umar’s apprehension in the cipher case. However, sources within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) clarified that Umar had been subjected to questioning in relation to the Cipher case but had not been formally arrested.

A notable aspect of this matter is the recent disclosure by Azam Khan, the former principal secretary to the PTI chairman and ex-prime minister, who made astonishing revelations asserting that the former prime minister employed US cyphers for his own “political gains” and to avert a potential vote of no-confidence.