ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court declared jail trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan in cipher case ‘null and void’, nullifying August 29 notification.

An IHC division bench, comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz announced reserved verdict on an intra-court appeal filed by PTI Chief Imran Khan against single-member bench’s decision that had approved ex-premier’s jail trial in cipher case.

Allowing Imran Khan’s intra-court appeal, bench declared Law Ministry’s notification “To be without lawful authority and no legal effect”. In three-page short order, Islamabad High Court stated that jail trial can be conducted in “Exceptional circumstances”.

Meanwhile, an accountability court extended physical remand of PTI Chairman Imran Khan for two days in 190 million pound case. Judge Muhammad Bashir conducted hearing, with PTI Chief and Bushra Bibi were present in court. Bushra Bibi’s interim bail was extended for 8 days in 190 million pounds scandal and Toshakhana cases.

Meanwhile, NAB team sought 10-day physical remand of PTI chairman, however, court granted two days for investigation. NAB team including members Muzaffar Abbasi, Irfanullah, Omar Nadeem, Mohsin Haroon, Asif Munir, Waqarul Hasan and barrister Awais Irshad facilitated proceedings.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 22 2023

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