Cipher case: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan indicted over leaking of documents
Story highlights
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been charged under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly leaking classified information. Both deny the charges, and the case follows Khan's earlier arrest in the Toshakhana graft case. Other individuals, including Muhammad Azam Khan and Asad Umar, are also under investigation. The next hearing is scheduled for October 27.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Imran Khan, alongside PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, have been charged under the Official Secrets Act by a special court.
The charges stem from their alleged violation of secret laws, and both have pleaded not guilty. This development follows Khan's earlier arrest in the Toshakhana graft case, marking a significant legal challenge for the former prime minister.
What are the charges?
trending now
)
Hamas-run govt says 700 Palestinians killed in 24 hours as Israel intensifies operations across Gaza
)
11 climbers die in volcanic eruption in Indonesia, search ops halted due to lava discharge
)
Morning brief: Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, and more
)
India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final
)
New Zealand on edge: Suspicious packages with fake baby covered in blood found outside US, Israeli embassies
)
Mizoram Assembly Elections 2023 Results Live Updates: BJP ally MNF confident of securing another term
)
US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
When Tom Hanks worked as Bellman and delivered a bag to Cher in her hotel room
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer out! Titans team up to battle new monsterverse villain
)
CID star Dinesh Phadnis aka Fredericks is on ventilator support: Report
)
NY fashion designer Mrinalini Kumari who's dressed Beyonce wants Indian artisans to get the spotlight
Imran Khan faces charges for disclosing a secret diplomatic cable sent by the Pakistan embassy in Washington in March 2022.
Khan purportedly used this cipher to construct a narrative suggesting that his government was ousted as a result of a 'foreign conspiracy.'
Additionally, Shah Mahmood Qureshi was named as the principal accused in the cipher case by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
A special court presided over by Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain conducted the hearing at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 27. Imran Khan's lawyer, Umair Niazi, indicated that they plan to challenge the special court's order in the high court.
Niazi also alluded to the "London plan," which Khan believes will be used to undermine PTI. He further accused Nawaz Sharif of colluding with "the umpire" to manipulate election outcomes.
The First Information Report (FIR) against Khan and Qureshi specifies that their case has been filed under sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act.
These sections pertain to "wrongful communication/use of official secret information and illegal retention of cipher telegram (official secret document) with mala fide intention."
Also watch | Nawaz Sharif granted bail, his arrest warrants suspended
Involvement of others
The investigation also involves other people, including former PM's aide Muhammad Azam Khan and former federal minister Asad Umar. Their roles in the alleged violation of the Official Secrets Act will be determined as the investigation unfolds.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:
\
)
