The former chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, on Monday declared his intention to include retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the former army chief, and officials from the US embassy as witnesses in his defense for the cipher case.
Addressing journalists informally within Adiala jail during the cipher case hearing, Khan asserted, “I will call General Bajwa and US embassy officials as witnesses in the case. General Bajwa carried out actions based on directives from Donald Lu.”
The Official Secrets Act 2023’s special court, conducting a fresh trial after the Islamabad High Court’s annulment of the jail trial on November 21, conducted an open court hearing in Adiala jail, where both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi are currently detained. The original indictment on October 23 was invalidated following the IHC order.
During interactions with the media, the former prime minister expressed confidence in his party winning the February 8 polls and asserted that his arrest was part of a premeditated plan. Khan extended gratitude to PTI leaders supporting the cause and refuted claims of negotiations in jail.
Addressing allegations made by Khawar Maneka, his wife’s former husband, Khan stated that he saw his wife’s face for the first time after their nikkah and claimed that pressure was being exerted on Bushra’s sons to testify against their mother.
In parallel, co-accused Shah Mahmood Qureshi affirmed his unwavering commitment to PTI, stating, “PTI is in my heart, and no one can remove it from there. I do not seek any post in PTI anymore.”
The special court, presided over by Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, scheduled the indictment of Khan and Qureshi for December 12. This decision followed the provision of the case record to both suspects during the hearing in Adiala jail.
Despite PTI lawyers urging against handing over the record, the FIA’s special prosecutor advocated proceeding. The court, citing serious security risks, had decided to conduct the trial in jail, a decision approved by the federal cabinet.
The controversy, known as Ciphergate, originated in March 2022 when Khan, addressing a rally, claimed a foreign conspiracy against his government involving a cipher. The subsequent events, including accusations against the US, audio leaks, and government inquiries, led to the initiation of the cipher case against Khan and Qureshi. The case is registered under the Official Secrets Act and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
