Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court challenging the entire proceedings of the cipher case, including the indictment against him. He argues that the proceedings conducted thus far are illegal and null and void, and seeks his discharge from the case. Khan's petition specifically targets the proceedings held since November 23rd, 2023, which he claims violate legal requirements and principles of justice. He further contends that the trial court's rejection of his plea on December 12th was erroneous. One of the key points raised in the petition is the interpretation of the word "complaint" in Section 13(2)(3) of the Official Secrets Act.

Khan argues that the trial court judge misinterpreted the term, whereas it is clearly defined in Section 4(h) of the Criminal Procedure Code and further clarified by law. He emphasizes that the cipher case, unlike the usual procedure, is being pursued based on an FIR and police report, while the Official Secrets Act prescribes a specific legal process for such cases. This challenge by Khan marks a significant development in the ongoing cipher case, which has attracted considerable public and political attention. The Islamabad High Court is expected to hear his petition in due course, and its decision could have major implications for the case's future trajectory.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)