A significant development is that a court in Pakistan has mandated the appearance of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently in jail, next week. The trial, centred around alleged information leaks from the state, involves Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, both currently held in custody. The special court, established under the Official Secrets Act in Islamabad, issued the order on Thursday, setting the arraignment date for November 28th.
First Public Appearance Since August: Khan’s Legal Woes Continue
This marks Khan’s first public appearance since his imprisonment in August, related to a separate case concerning the unlawful sale of state-sponsored gifts. Naeem Panjutha, Khan’s lawyer, emphasized the need for the court order’s implementation in a tweet on Thursday.
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Allegations and Arraignment: Khan and Qureshi Face Charges
Imran Khan was ousted as prime minister after a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He attributed his downfall to an alleged plot orchestrated by the United States in collaboration with his political adversaries and the military. Despite his claims being supported by diplomatic communication from the former Pakistani Ambassador to the US, both Washington and Islamabad have denied the allegations.
Post-Ousting Rallies: Khan Accuses Successor and Military
Following his removal, Khan engaged in numerous rallies, accusing his successor, Shehbaz Sharif, and the military of a conspiracy against him. The ensuing government crackdown on protests led to multiple cases, including serious charges like terrorism, sedition, and murder against imran Khan and other PTI party leaders.
Cypher Diplomacy and Detentions: Khan’s Accusations Persist
Khan further accused Pakistani authorities of leaking diplomatic cypher information for political gain, resulting in the detention of Qureshi. On August 5th, Khan was imprisoned for three years in the state gift case. Although granted bail on August 29th, he remained in jail during the ongoing cypher trial.
Legal Twist: Islamabad High Court Declares Previous Trial “Null and Void”
In a recent development, the Islamabad High Court declared the trial and all related instances up to date, including an indictment issued last month, as “null and void.” Khan’s legal challenges intensify as Pakistan gears up for a crucial general election, where PTI is expected to make significant gains despite Khan’s conviction blocking the party from running.