Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has had his remand extended in the cipher case until October 10. The hearing took place within Attock Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated. There were reports suggesting that Khan expressed his reluctance to be moved to Adiala Jail, stating that he had already adjusted to Attock Jail. He also mentioned his intention to withdraw his petition requesting a transfer to Adiala Jail. This situation comes after Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq ordered that prisoners facing trials in Islamabad be kept in Adiala Jail, creating conflicting reports regarding Khan’s relocation.
Key Points:
- Remand Extension: Imran Khan’s remand in the cipher case has been extended until October 10. The hearing took place within Attock Jail.
- Khan’s Preference: During the hearing, Khan expressed his preference to remain in Attock Jail, stating that he had adjusted to his current confinement and no longer wished to be moved to Adiala Jail.
- Withdrawal of Petition: Khan indicated that he plans to withdraw his petition regarding the transfer to Adiala Jail.
- Court Order: The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice issued an order on Monday directing that prisoners facing trials in Islamabad should be held in Adiala Jail. However, Khan was not transferred to Adiala Jail by evening, leading to discrepancies between reports from his lawyers and the jail administration.
- Conflicting Reports: Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjutha, posted on social media that Khan had been moved to Adiala Jail and was provided with better facilities, including an attached bath. However, the jail administration refuted these claims, asserting that Khan had not been relocated.
- Reason for Incarceration: Imran Khan has been detained in Attock Jail since his arrest on August 5 in the toshakhana case. Although bail was approved for him in that case, he remained in custody due to his arrest in the cipher case, which was registered under the Official Secrets Act.
- Court Proceedings: Khan has not been presented at any court hearings for the multiple cases he faces across the country. Instead, Judge Abu Alhasnaat Zulqurnain has been conducting hearings in the cipher case within the jail.
- Security Concerns: The decision to conduct hearings in jail was made by the law ministry after authorities cited “security reasons” as the basis for not bringing Khan to court.
This news highlights the extension of Imran Khan’s remand in the cipher case, his preference to remain in Attock Jail, and the ongoing dispute surrounding his potential relocation to Adiala Jail, with conflicting reports from his lawyers and the jail administration. Additionally, it underscores the security concerns that have led to court hearings being held within the jail premises.
