Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the cipher case. The verdict was delivered by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain of the Official Secrets Act special court after conducting proceedings in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Cipher case Imran, Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in prison
The judge stated that the prosecution presented substantial evidence to prove the crime. Both accused were present in the courtroom during the sentencing, and they declined to sign the statement questionnaire under Section 342 of the CrPC, stating that they would not do so without their lawyers present. However, the judge informed them that the state attorneys for both accused were present in the courtroom and instructed them to sign the questionnaire after consulting with their state counsel. Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed their desire to include certain details in their responses to the questionnaires.
PTI Founder Imran Khan, Qureshi Sentenced To 10 Years
Later, the former premier recorded a statement for an hour and 20 minutes. The judge then quickly called both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi to the rostrum. Imran Khan, humorously remarked on the urgency, to which the judge responded about the necessity to stay in jail.
Cipher case: Imran, Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in prison
When asked if they would sign the statement under Section 342, Imran Khan sought clarification about its content. After providing the opportunity to answer the questions, Imran Khan expressed his wish to dictate his own response. Following Imran Khan’s statement, the judge asked him about the whereabouts of the cipher, to which Imran Khan reiterated his earlier statement of not knowing and suggested it might be in his office.
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Without waiting for Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s statement to be recorded, the judge pronounced the verdict, sentencing both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 10 years in prison each. After delivering the verdict, Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain left the court.