The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday denying bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in cipher case directed that the trial be completed within four weeks.
Chief Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case and issued a written in which he ordered the Superintendent Jail to ensure that the dignity of the accused is maintained.
The court acknowledged the security concerns raised by Qureshi’s family and highlighted that, as the head of a major political party, the PTI Chairman’s presence in court could pose security challenges.
However, it emphasised that an open trial in prison does not mean an in-camera hearing.
The written judgment clarified that Article 248 of the Constitution, providing immunity, does not apply to the cipher case.
While recognising PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s security concerns, the court stated that immunity under Article 248 applies only to criminal charges arising from official duties.
Earlier, Shah Mehmood Qureshi had challenged the post-arrest bail process and indictment in the cipher case.
