ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — The Supreme Court of Pakistan has approved the post-arrest bail application of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case. Acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood led the three-member bench, which included Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minullah.
The court accepted the petition, directing founder PTI and Shah Mahmood Qureshi to submit a surety bond of Rs.10,10 lakh. During the hearing, Justice Athar Manullah expressed concerns about the trial’s conduct, stating that the prosecution itself is violating rules. Emphasizing the rights of the people, he noted that the issue transcends the founder PTI, asserting innocence and participation in elections as valid grounds for bail.
Addressing the FIA prosecutor’s statement, Acting Chief Justice remarked on the urgency, questioning why there was a hurry in giving notice. The ex-chairman PTI’s lawyer argued that the trial court hastily recorded statements of 13 witnesses, prompting the Acting Chief Justice to assert the right to a speedy trial for every accused.
Lawyer Salman Safdar informed the court of a High Court hearing against the in-camera trial, while lawyer Hamid Khan highlighted a second application against the indictment.
