Political Storm as Former Premier Imran Khan and Ex-Foreign Minister Qureshi Handed 10-Year Jail Terms in Cipher Case

In a shocking turn of events, a special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, delivered a significant blow to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) just nine days before the February 8 general elections. The court sentenced both former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 10 years in jail in the controversial cipher case. This verdict has far-reaching implications for the PTI, as both leaders have now been disqualified from contesting elections for the next five years.

The cipher case revolves around a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency claims was never returned by Imran Khan. The PTI has consistently argued that the document contained a threat from the United States to oust Imran as the prime minister. This conviction marks Imran’s second, with his previous involvement in the Toshakhana case resulting in a three-year imprisonment, a sentence later suspended by the Islamabad High Court but ultimately rejected by a division bench.

Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, responsible for delivering this latest verdict, announced the decision after Imran and Qureshi responded to a questionnaire under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Imran, in his statement, claimed ignorance about the cipher’s whereabouts, asserting that it was in his office.

The timing of this conviction, just days before the general elections, adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious political climate. The PTI, facing a state crackdown and campaigning without an electoral symbol, finds itself grappling with the disqualification of its prominent leaders.

Breaking: Election Commission of Pakistan Disqualifies Former Prime Minister Imran Khan

In response to the verdict, the PTI issued a statement decrying the trial as a “sham.” The party expressed solidarity with Imran and Qureshi, framing them as defenders of Pakistan’s sovereignty. The statement dismissed the court’s decision as a mockery and called on the public to exercise their right to vote on February 8. PTI leaders, including Gohar Khan and Omar Ayub Khan, urged calm among party workers, emphasizing a commitment to a peaceful struggle and announcing plans to challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court.

Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser expressed his disappointment with the court’s decision, deeming it “extremely painful” and “controversial.” He called the verdict biased and pledged to challenge it in higher courts. PTI counsel Barrister Ali Zafar echoed these sentiments, stating that the judge’s recent actions had turned the trial into a mistrial. He announced plans to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court, emphasizing the need for a fair trial.

Amidst the outcry from the PTI, former Interior Minister and PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah defended the court’s decision, asserting that the punishment was justified. He claimed that the cipher, being a classified document, was used by Imran for political purposes. Sanaullah acknowledged the PTI’s right to appeal but drew a distinction between disqualifying a political party and jeopardizing national security.

The history of the case reveals a complex legal battle. Imran and Qureshi were first indicted in October, with the Islamabad High Court later terming the government’s notification for a jail trial “erroneous.” The special court initiated the cipher trial afresh last month, leading to the recent conviction. The case involved multiple witnesses, including former principal secretary Azam Khan, who claimed that the cipher never returned to his office.

Despite several legal twists and turns, the conviction has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Pakistan. The PTI, now facing a leadership vacuum and the disqualification of its prominent figures, vows to continue its fight for justice through the legal avenues available to them. As the country approaches the crucial February 8 elections, the repercussions of this judgment are likely to reverberate across the political spectrum, shaping the future of Pakistani politics.