In a dramatic turn of events, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been acquitted of charges related to compromising state secrets. The Islamabad High Court ruled in favor of the defendants in what has been dubbed the ‘cipher case’, bringing an end to a legal saga that lasted over four months.
The case, which saw both politicians convicted and handed hefty sentences just before the February 8 general election, has been fraught with controversy from the outset. Accused of leaking a secret cable and jeopardizing Pakistan’s diplomatic communication system, Khan and Qureshi were initially slapped with 10 years of rigorous punishment each.
However, the verdict drew widespread criticism for its questionable legal proceedings and lack of substantial evidence. Two previous attempts to prosecute the case were aborted by the IHC due to irregularities. Furthermore, the Foreign Office’s affirmation of the safety of Pakistan’s communication system cast doubt on the severity of the charges.
Critics argue that while Khan and Qureshi may have misused diplomatic channels for political gain, their actions didn’t warrant charges under laws meant for traitors and foreign spies. Instead, it’s suggested that such matters should have been left for public scrutiny rather than legal prosecution.
The acquittal not only vindicates Khan and Qureshi but also raises questions about the state’s handling of high-profile cases. Many view the saga as yet another instance of the state’s overzealousness in targeting political opponents, ultimately backfiring and portraying them as heroes.
As the dust settles on this legal battle, the spotlight now turns to the lessons to be learned from this episode. Will the state heed the warnings and refrain from politicizing legal matters in the future? Only time will tell.
