Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Be Indicted in Cipher Case, Trial Set for October 17

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to be indicted in the cipher case on October 17, according to a court announcement. The case involves allegations that Khan disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, violating the Official Secrets Act. Khan's counsel, Salman Safdar, and his party leader, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, were present at the hearing in Adiala jail. Copies of the chargesheet were distributed among the lawyers, and the court issued directives for government witnesses to be summoned. Khan, who was arrested in August, had previously claimed that the cipher pointed to a conspiracy to remove him from office.

Both Khan and Qureshi will face trial in the cipher case on October 17. This announcement comes after Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case, a graft case, in August. His sentence was later suspended by the Islamabad High Court, but he was then arrested in the cipher case and remained in prison on judicial remand. The cipher case revolves around a missing diplomatic document and allegations that it contained a threat from the United States to remove Khan from office. Khan has filed a petition with the IHC against his jail trial in the cipher case and has also sought suspension of the trial court's verdict in the Toshakhana case.

During the hearing at Adiala jail, Imran briefly met his legal team and expressed his protest against the inhumane treatment he has been subjected to. Imran's lawyer, Salman Safdar, stated that his client did not sign the copies of the chargesheet and challenged the distribution of the copies. Safdar also raised concerns about the jail trial being conducted for security reasons and demanded an open hearing for the cipher case trial. In a surprise move, the special court judge visited the jailrooms where Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi are being held.

Imran complained about the lack of walking space in his cell, and the judge assured him that measures would be taken to address the issue. The judge also mentioned that Imran has received copies of the chargesheet but has hesitated to sign them. The next hearing in the cipher case is scheduled for October 17, when both Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be indicted, marking the official start of the trial. Summons will also be issued to the prosecution's witnesses.