High Court Halts Imran Khan's Trial in Cypher Case Over Legal Errors

The Islamabad High Court has issued a stay order on former Prime Minister Imran Khan's ongoing trial in the controversial cypher case until January 11, 2024. Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb's decision came after legal errors were found in the case. The trial, being conducted at Adiala Jail, had raised concerns about in-camera proceedings and a gag order on media, prompting Imran Khan to challenge the trial. The High Court questioned why in-camera proceedings were being held when the court had ordered an open trial.

The court also noted that the world was unaware of human and fundamental rights in 1923, the period from which the law being used in the case dates back. Justice Aurangzeb expressed concerns about the legal errors in the case and issued a stay on the in-camera trial, essentially halting the proceedings until the next hearing on January 11. The court also pointed out that the evidence in the case was deemed insufficient by the Supreme Court. Imran Khan and his party have been facing various legal challenges since he was removed from government in 2022. The former Prime Minister has consistently contested the charges, claiming they are politically motivated.