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Imran’s bail plea in cipher case to be heard in open court, rules IHC

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  • FIA sought in-camera hearing amid concerns over disclosure of sensitive information.
  • Trials of accused facing secrets act violation charges cannot be made public: prosecutor.
  • PTI chief, vice-chairman moved IHC for post-arrest bail in cipher case.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ruled that hearing on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s bail plea in cipher case registered under Official Secrets Act will take place in an open court.

The IHC announced a verdict that it reserved earlier this week on FIA’s plea seeking in-camera hearing on the PTI chief’s bail application in the cipher case.

In the verdict today, the IHC said open court hearing on the bail petition will be held on October 9. However, the IHC said arguments by lawyers on documents regarded as sensitive will be heard in-camera.

The FIA on Monday had appealed to the IHC for an in-camera hearing on Khan’s bail plea in the cipher case as it is fearful that an open court hearing could harm Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with other states if the matter is discussed publicly.

FIA Special Prosecutor Shah Khawar had told the court that under the Official Secrets Act, a trial cannot be made public, adding that they would move a similar plea in the trial court.

“There are some statements and information that cannot be made public,” said the lawyer. He added that they also have to place statements related to other countries before the court.

“Sharing such information in an open court can affect Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with other countries,” said Khawar.

The PTI chief’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, had opposed the FIA’s plea for an in-camera hearing. 

Last month, the PTI chief moved IHC seeking post-arrest bail in the cipher case.

The special court — established under the Official Secrets Act and hearing the case registered against the PTI chief and his party’s Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi — had rejected the post-arrest bail applications of Khan and the senior politician.

Both the leaders are currently on judicial remand till October 10 in the cipher case.

The FIA booked them under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly misplacing and misusing the classified document for vested political interests in August this year.

Subsequently, both leaders were arrested in connection with the investigation into the case and a special court was established under the Official Secrets Act to try the accused.

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On Friday, PTI calls for nationwide protests.

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PTI called for a nationwide walkout on Friday (tomorrow) in opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment package, citing its founder Imran Khan’s incarceration as unfair treatment, and demanding access to the jailed leader for attorneys, PTI leaders, and supporters.

Within a meeting, the PTI’s leaders resolved to stage a nationwide protest, the party claimed in a statement released on Wednesday.

In both houses of the parliament, every effort was decided to be made to obstruct the path of modification, according to the statement.

As well as advocate Intizar Hussain Panjotha, Azam Swati, and all other jailed leaders, activists, and members of parliament—including the president of Tehreek-e-Insaf Balochistan—the party’s political committee demanded their release. Aleema and Uzma Khanum are the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan.

The PTI requested that following Friday prayers, regional organizations stage a nonviolent demonstration at district headquarters.

It argued that the constitutional change is an unacceptable attempt by the administration to distort the Constitution.

In a statement, it was stated that Imran Khan’s release was sought and that both chambers of parliament had decided to do all within their power to obstruct the amendment.

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The National Assembly is expected to assemble on October 18 to approve proposed constitutional modifications.

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It is anticipated that the National Assembly will meet on October 18 or 19 to ratify the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.

The National Assembly Secretariat has reportedly been instructed to get ready for the important gathering, according to sources.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed strong opposition to the proposal, which seeks to overhaul the judiciary. The government coalition is pushing through its legislative agenda in spite of this opposition.

In the 342-member National Assembly, the constitutional modification bill needs 224 votes, or a two-thirds majority, to be approved. But with only 215 members, the ruling coalition is now not strong enough to form a majority.

111 members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), 70 members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), 22 members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), five members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and smaller numbers from other affiliated parties like the National Party, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and the Pakistan Muslim League-Zia make up the breakdown.

Political analysts speculate that the recent verdict by the Supreme Court on Article 63-A, which permits the votes of dissident members, may be crucial in obtaining the necessary majority given the size of the ruling coalition.

To get their support for the amendment, the administration might try to influence PTI-aligned lawmakers.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), has become a crucial player in this political equation. The backing of his party may be essential to guaranteeing the bill’s passing.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced yesterday that the constitutional amendment draft has been agreed upon. In an effort to strengthen his party’s position, he is scheduled to meet with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif tomorrow and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari today.

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C’MAN PPP Addresses Ceremony In Karachi: Following The Impact Of Climate Change, The Agriculture Sector Needs To Be Regulated

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Amid the consequences of climate change, the agriculture industry need regulation, according to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

According to Bilawal Bhutto, agriculture is the backbone of the nation, as she stated during a ceremony in Karachi.

He claimed that during his first tenure in office, President Asif Ali Zardari moved historic measures to ensure the prosperity of farmers in the nation and supported small-scale farming.

According to Bilawal, the rights of the nation’s farmers and laborers have always been upheld by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

He emphasized that the Pakistan People’s Party has consistently supported the rights of the poor and that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made courageous choices to defend the rights of farmers.

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