The Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed three petitions seeking an investigation into the cypher leak - the alleged foreign conspiracy behind the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The appeals were heard by Justice Qazi Faez Isa in his chambers. During the hearing, Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked: "Is it the job of the court to deal with foreign affairs?" He stated that Imran Khan was the prime minister at the time the cypher was released.
"Yes, Prime Minister Imran Khan waved the cypher at the rally," said advocate GM Chaudhry during his arguments. To which, Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked whether Imran Khan had taken any decision to probe the matter, as he was the prime minister at the time and had all the powers to conduct an investigation.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked that all the authorities are under the prime minister. He wondered what the court could do in this cypher leak case.
The petitioner's lawyer, GM Chaudhry. said that the inquiry into cypher is a matter of fundamental rights. Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked, "What effect did the cypher have on your life and mine?" "There is no issue of fundamental rights in this case," he added.
A lawyer for PTI said that there was also a demarche on this cypher. Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked him if he know what demarche meant.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa clearly stated that he will not interfere in the administrative work. "If the administration interferes in the court, I will stop that too," he added.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked, "If it is a matter of national interest, then explain the definition according to the constitution."
While rejecting the pleas, Justice Qazi Faez Isa told the petitioners' lawyers that the courts have a lot of work to do.