Islamabad, September 12, 2023 – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved judgment on a plea filed by former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, challenging the decision to hold the cypher case hearing within the premises of Attock jail.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing, during which arguments were presented by PTI chief’s lawyer, Sher Afzal Marwat. Marwat raised questions about the legality of transferring the trial venue from Islamabad to Punjab, emphasizing that such transfers should be made by the Supreme Court and not by the chief commissioner or home secretary.
Furthermore, Marwat argued that if a change of venue was necessary, a petition should have been filed with the trial judge, and he contended that Imran Khan’s detention in Attock Jail was “illegal,” despite being granted bail in the Toshakhana case.
The lawyer alleged malicious intent behind the change of venue, suggesting that it was an attempt to keep Imran Khan incarcerated. Marwat expressed frustration at the lack of communication regarding the reasons behind the notification.
Marwat also pointed out that trials related to civilian cases registered under the Official Secret Acts typically take place in special courts, and he urged that the law should be applied consistently to Imran Khan’s case.
In response, Additional Attorney General Mansoor Iqbal Dogal clarified that the notification for the jail trial was a one-time exception and that it rendered Imran Khan’s petition ineffective. He emphasized that the Ministry of Law and Justice had only issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and was not responsible for the change in venue.
The IHC reserved its decision on the petition following the arguments presented by both parties. The court had sought an explanation from the Ministry of Law and Justice regarding the notification.
The outcome of this judgment could have significant implications for the future of the cypher case against Imran Khan and the location of its proceedings.
