Cypher Case: Special Court Extends Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s Physical Remand For Three Days

Qureshi has informed the court that he submitted the cypher to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while serving as the FM and vehemently denied any role in the cypher theft

Cypher Case: Special Court Extends Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s Physical Remand For Three Days
Caption: PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi

The Islamabad Special Court established under the Official Secrets Act has extended the physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case by an additional three days.

Today, Qureshi was brought before the court after serving a four-day physical remand.

Judge Abul Hasnat of the Islamabad Special Court heard the cypher case involving PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a closed session.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi was defended in court by senior lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, and the prosecution was represented by FIA special prosecutor Shah Khawar.

During the hearing, Qureshi informed the court that he submitted the cypher to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while serving as the foreign minister and vehemently denied any role in the cypher theft.

Shoaib Shaheen objected to the FIA's plea for a nine-day extension of Qureshi's physical remand. The court then put its verdict on reserve before making it public.

The court granted a three-day extension of Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s physical remand to FIA custody, after which the PTI leader was taken into custody by FIA officials.

A case was filed on August 15 against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Qureshi under Sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act of 1923, read with Section 34 of the PPC, for the alleged misplacement of a diplomatic cable from the US.

The FIR was registered at the request of Interior Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar.