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

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been arrested from his Islamabad residence following a First Investigation Report (FIR) lodged against the PTI Chief and Qureshi under the Official Secrets Act.

According to the FIR, PTI chief and Qureshi have been accused of deliberately mishandling a copy of a diplomatic cypher.

Sources reported that the FIR was filed on August 15 following a complaint made by the Home Secretary, naming the PTI chief and the former foreign minister. The FIR also named former Principal Secretary Azam Khan and former Planning Minister Asad Umar.

Legal proceedings are expected against Azam Khan and Asad Umar as authorities have concluded their involvement in the misuse of classified documents, as stated in the FIR.

Read More: IHC all set to hear PTI chief’s plea challenging cypher inquiry

The report alleged that both the PTI chief and Qureshi manipulated the information contained within the diplomatic cypher.

It stated, “A conspiracy was orchestrated to exploit the cypher’s contents for malicious purposes.” Furthermore, it also asserted that the former premier and top diplomat jeopardised state interests.

The FIR further said that the PTI chairman directed Azam Khan, who was the principal secretary at the time, to “alter the contents of the cypher.” A secret meeting was held in Bani Gala to prepare a conspiracy, the FIR stated.

Furthermore, it is pertinent to note here that the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) Counter Terrorism Wing has registered a case against the PTI chief for allegedly mishandling the diplomatic cypher.