A special court under the Official Secrets Act sentenced former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 10 years in jail in the cipher case. The case involves a diplomatic document which, according to the Federal Investigation Agency, Imran Khan failed to return. This document allegedly contained threats from the United States against Imran Khan’s premiership. The conviction occurred just nine days before the general elections on February 8, with Khan’s party, PTI, participating amid significant challenges, including Khan and Qureshi’s incarceration and Khan’s rejected candidacy.
KalPay Partners with UCP for Student Education Financing via Instalment Plans
In addition to the cipher case, Imran Khan was previously convicted in the Toshakhana case but had his sentence suspended by the Islamabad High Court. This is Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s first conviction. During the trial, when questioned about the cipher’s whereabouts, Imran Khan stated his ignorance. The court’s decision to sentence both Khan and Qureshi has led to their disqualification from contesting elections for five years. The verdict was announced by Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, amidst protests from Qureshi that his statement wasn’t recorded.
Karachi will host an internationally certified marathon for the first time
In response to the verdict, the PTI condemned the trial as a sham and announced plans to challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court. The party’s official statement expressed solidarity with Khan and Qureshi, accusing the trial of being a mockery of justice and asserting their intention to overturn the sentence. The statement called for public support in the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in the appeal process and the eventual exoneration of Khan and Qureshi.
- Seven Killed, Including Bride and Groom, in Gas Cylinder Blast at Islamabad Wedding House
- PTA Warns Public Against Fraudulent Calls and Fake UAN Numbers
- Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Hits $19.2bn in H1 as Exports Slide, Imports Surge
- Livoltek Launches Innovative Energy Solutions in Pakistan
- PIA Resumes Direct Lahore–London Flights From March 30 Amid High Demand
