ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment each under the Official Secrets Act in the Cipher Case.
The sentence was announced by the Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain who heard the Cipher Case at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Before sentencing Imran Khan, Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain asked him one last time where the Cipher was.
“I have mentioned in my statement that the Prime Minister House’s security was not my responsibility. I don’t have the cipher,” Imran Khan said.
The judge also provided both the PTI leaders with copies of the statement and the questionnaire under Section 342 and both accused were asked to write down their replies in the questionnaire.
The verdict has been announced to both already incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders at a time when general elections are just around the corner.
The Counsel Barrister Syed Ali Zafar has announced to challenge the Trial Court’s decision. He said that they will file the appeal tomorrow after they receive the written order.
A complete disgusting mockery of law in this absolutely ridiculous trial.
InshAllah, the revenge will be taken through vote inshAllah. Such sham trials have their future written in dustbin. #نہ_مایوس_ہوں_نہ_مشتعل #ووٹ_کرے_گا_میرا_فیصلہ https://t.co/cl2v9sbkD9— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 30, 2024
Omar Ayub asks PTI followers to remain calm and peaceful
Meanwhile, in a video message, the PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan has asked all PTI members and Pakistanis to remain calm and peaceful following the decision by this “kangroo court” against the former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
“Concentrate on coming out in large numbers on 8th February, 2024 to ensure a high voter turnout and vote for PM Imran Khan sahib’s nominated candidates whose names have been posted on PTIs website and social media channels,” he said.
