Court turns down Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood’s plea to postpone cipher case proceedings

RAWALPINDI: Special Court Judge Abul Hasanat Muhammad Zulqarnain dismissed the plea from PTI founder Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood to delay the cipher case proceedings. Despite their request, the judge declared the proceedings would continue.

During the cipher case trial, a state-appointed defense counsel cross-examined Azam Khan, a pivotal witness. Tensions flared between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the judge during a hearing at Adiala Jail on Monday.

Qureshi objected to the state-appointed defense counsel during cross-examination, expressing difficulty attending court in the current situation. PTI lawyer Salman Safdar noted that the Islamabad High Court had deemed the trial invalid, yet the case persisted in this court for the third time.

Safdar questioned the capability of state-appointed defense counsel to comprehend the entire case in just 14 hours, especially for cross-examining nine witnesses, deeming it impossible. He emphasised that while the Supreme Court called for an early trial, it never mandated daily hearings.

Read more: Cipher trial: Judge warns Imran, Qureshi over misbehaviour

The judge countered these claims, citing the SC’s decision that when accused are in jail, hearings should occur daily. He added that if obstacles arise, bail could be canceled.

Safdar argued that the trial’s flaws led to the Islamabad High Court’s invalidation, accusing the current court of disregarding the higher court orders. He highlighted the improper appointment of State Defense Councils and the exclusion of PTI lawyers during the cross-examination of witness Azam Khan.

Prosecution responded by countering PTI lawyers’ objections, citing the SC’s call to cancel bail in case of obstacles. He questioned the absence of cross-examination by Usman Gil and Ali Bukhari during the last hearing, challenging the lawyer’s claim that Gil was unable to cross-examine witnesses.