Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday dismissed the former prime minister Imran Khan’s request for post-arrest bail in the cipher case.

The cipher case revolves around a diplomatic document that, according to the FIA charge sheet, Imran allegedly failed to return. The PTI has consistently claimed that the document contained a threat from the United States to remove Imran as the prime minister.

Earlier this week, Imran and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted by a special court handling the case. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Imran had filed multiple petitions in the IHC, including those to halt his trial, to secure bail in the cipher case, and to cancel the first information report. On October 16, the IHC reserved its decision on the pleas seeking bail and dismissal of the FIR while also addressing the petition challenging the PTI chief’s jail trial.

More related: IHC rejects Imran Khan’s petition against cipher case indictment

Just yesterday, the IHC validated Imran’s indictment, dismissing his plea against it but instructing the special court judge to ensure a “fair trial.”

Today, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq delivered the reserved verdict, denying the former premier’s pleas for post-arrest bail and the dismissal of the case.

Outside the courtroom, Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, expressed her lack of confidence in the Pakistani judicial system, claiming, “There is no court in Pakistan that can provide justice to the PTI chairman.”

She vowed to stand by her brother, affirming his leadership even while in prison. Aleema alleged that recent events were part of an agreement made in London, asserting that the agreement’s provisions included keeping her brother incarcerated even during the upcoming general elections.

While the legal team will persist with their efforts, Aleema cautioned the public against fostering hope in this matter.

Last month, the special court had also turned down Imran’s and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s bail pleas in the cipher case. On September 30, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted a charge sheet in a special court established under the Official Secrets Act, naming PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Imran as the primary accused in the case.