Shah Mehmood Qureshi remand extended for two days

ISLAMABAD: The physical remand of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been extended for an additional two days by a special court in connection with the cipher case.

The case involves allegations of misusing classified documents for political purposes and leaking sensitive information.

Justice Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain of the Special Court presided over the proceedings, where the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented Qureshi. The extension was granted after the completion of a nine-day initial extended physical remand.

The FIA had requested a five-day extension in Qureshi’s remand from the special court, which is handling the Cipher case under the Official Secrets Act.

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Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Navi argued before the court that the extension was necessary to recover Qureshi’s mobile phone, sources reported.

In response, Qureshi’s counsel, Babar Awan, contested the request and referred to several previous judgments from the superior judiciary in defense of his client.

Notably, on August 25, the same special court had granted a three-day extension in the physical remand of the PTI leader.

Qureshi has been in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency since August 19. Subsequently, the special court had remanded him in FIA’s custody for an additional four days until August 25.

Justice Zulqarnain cautioned that further physical remand would only be considered if there is tangible progress in the case.

Qureshi’s trial pertains to allegations of unauthorized usage of classified documents for political motives and the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information.