SC approves Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood's bail in cipher case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday approved the bail application of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan and Vice Chairman PTI in the cipher case.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood presided over the proceedings, including Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minullah.

Former PTI chairman and his close aide Shah Mehmood Quraishi were indicted again in the cipher case by a special court on December 13, established under the Official Secrets Act 2023. 

The Supreme Court addressed the petition challenging Khan and Qureshi's October 23 indictment. 

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had already nullified their jail trial. 

Both politicians pleaded not guilty to charges related to the alleged misuse of diplomatic cables for political purposes.

During the current court proceedings, Justice Masood noted at the beginning of the hearing that the IHC had already nullified the challenged indictment on November 21. Consequently, the October 23 indictments were also deemed null and void, leading to a fresh trial. 

The court then adjourned the hearing on the plea against the indictment, while the proceedings on the bail applications continued.

This case involves a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claims was not returned by Imran and allegedly contained a threat from the United States to remove him as prime minister, a claim disputed by the PTI.

The charge sheet accused them of violating the Official Secrets Act, alleging Imran displayed a secret diplomatic document at a rally and used the cipher for personal interests.

During the hearing, Imran criticized the proceedings, stating it was a staged 'drama' to protect ex-army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and US diplomat Donald Lu. He expressed fearlessness about the death penalty, claiming the cipher was written to topple his government. He argued against a fair trial due to media censorship.