New special court established to hear Official Secrets Act cases

ISLAMABAD: In an effort to streamline the judicial process, a special court, to hear cases related to Official Secrets Act, has been established in the heart of the nation’s capital, Islamabad, on Monday.

This marks a significant step as the country’s first special court to try individuals under the Official Secrets Act.

ATC Judge Abul Hasanat Muhammad Zulqarnain has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the special court.

Official secrets act: PTI Chairman could face upto 14 year imprisonment in Cipher case

With this assignment, Judge Hasnat will lead proceedings pertaining to cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Official Secrets Act.

In strict adherence to legal stipulations, the hearings for cases governed by the Official Secrets Act will be conducted with utmost confidentiality. The proceedings will be held in camera, ensuring a high level of privacy and security.

Several high-profile individuals including former prime minister Imran Khan, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Asad Umar are currently under arrest after being charged under the Official Secrets Act.

Reliable sources have indicated that Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, presently under arrest in connection with the cipher case, will have his case heard within this specialized court.

It must be mentioned that the Gazette of Pakistan has published the passing of the o Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

A controversy erupted after President Arif Alvi said he didn’t sign the bill and gave his assent. The president claimed his staff signed the bill even though he returned the bills.