In its detailed cypher case judgment, which was issued on Thursday, the special court unequivocally established that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in conjunction with Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was serving as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister at the time, “compromised Pakistan’s cypher communications system, severely impacting the nation’s international standing, diplomats, and diplomatic reporting culture.”
Just two days ago, the sentence was handed down to the two major leaders of the PTI leadership.
The defendant’s activities were found to have resulted in “significant economic and political consequences, weakening Pakistan’s economy and adversely affecting national security,” according to the ruling, which was written by judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain.
Both Imran and Qureshi were found guilty by the court of violating provisions of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) under a variety of different parts. The punishment that Imran has been given is as follows: ten years of rigorous imprisonment in accordance with section 5(3)(a) of the OSA; two years in accordance with section 5(1)(c) of the OSA with a fine of one million rupees; and an additional two years in accordance with section 5(1)(d) of the OSA with an extra fine of one million rupees. In addition, both accused are found guilty under section 5(3)(a) of the OSA when read in conjunction with section 34 of the PPC, and each is sentenced to a rigorous imprisonment term of ten years. In addition, Qureshi is found guilty under the application of section 9 in conjunction with section 5(3)(a) of the OSA. Convicts are both eligible to receive the benefit of section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code, and all sentences are to be served simultaneously.
The findings of the court are founded on concrete evidence of a “open and shut case,” which includes the reception of cypher messages that are supported by the chain of custody and cypher movement registers. A number of witnesses and technological experts provided testimony that reinforced the court’s emphasis on the negative consequences that might result from the disclosure of cypher information.
The verdict makes reference to the “deliberate actions” of the defendants, which include the unlawful keeping of cipher, the irresponsible handling of telegrams, and the profit to foreign powers. In addition, the court emphasizes Imran’s public exposure of confidential material when Qureshi was the one who initiated the disclosure.
The decision highlights the significant duty that the Prime Minister bears in terms of handling private material in a responsible manner and makes a note of “Sadly, the accused Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, besides committing offences under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 has also violated his oath.”
Their “attempts to prolong the trial through legal maneuvers” were taken into consideration by the court, which “painfully noted” the behavior of both of the defendants during the proceedings. The unwillingness of the accused to participate in cross-examination, the failure to sign court documents, and the accused’s overall evasive behavior are all considered unethical and damaging to the execution of the legal process.
“In order to prolong the proceedings that were taking place at the moment, which were of a very high profile and sensitive nature, the accused who was mentioned above played hide and seek.”
The court emphasized that activities of this nature create a negative impression on the accused’s integrity and sovereignty, which in turn harms Pakistan’s national security interests and its relations with other countries.
“A heavy-duty burden is placed upon the prime minister, who is given access to the most confidential information,” the statement reads. A person who holds a high post is required by the constitution to behave in the most responsible manner possible and to completely abstain from doing anything that could be considered detrimental to Pakistan’s political and economic interests.
In conclusion, the court found the former premier and former foreign minister guilty of serious violations. The court also condemned the accused’s behavior during the legal procedures and emphasized the need of high-ranking officials being responsible when it comes to the management of secret material.
Qureshi, Imran, was found guilty.
In the high-profile cypher case, a special court that was constituted under the Official Secrets Act handed down a sentence of ten years in prison to the former prime minister and the former foreign minister.
The verdict was pronounced by the court, which was presided over by Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain, during the hearing that took place within the premises of the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi during the proceedings.
In the final moments before Imran was sentenced, the court inquired about the location of the cypher from the former world leader.
“I have mentioned in my statement that the security of the Prime Minister’s House was not my responsibility,” the speaker said. His statement was, “I do not possess the cypher.”
Furthermore, the judge made copies of the statement and the questionnaire that was required under Section 342 available to the two leaders of the PTI. Additionally, the judge requested that both accused individuals record their responses in the questionnaire.
The verdict was pronounced by the court after Imran and Qureshi had successfully recorded their statements in accordance with Section 342.
Even if Imran and Qureshi were found guilty and sentenced to death, the “reality of the bogus cases” could not be disputed, according to the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who criticized the ruling.
In a statement that expressed optimism on the party’s next line of action, he stated that they will petition the high court to overturn the sentence, and that the court would then provide a “free and fair” judgment in response to the “abrupt” verdict that was handed down today.
Gohar advised supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to maintain their composure and peace, adding that the party is confident that the Supreme Court and the high court will grant them relief.
“You do not have to be violent; don’t even throw a pebble; all the powers are being used to divert our attention from the elections that will take place on February 8; however, you should remain focused on the polls, and the power of our votes will perform justice for Imran and Qureshi,” stated the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In addition, he encouraged his supporters to avoid falling for any “pre-planned” act that will take place on May 9.
