ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) while stopping jail trial in cipher case has adjourned hearing of petitions against non-completion of process, indictment and in-camera hearing till January 11. Court has remarked hearing of cipher case is being stayed till January 11.

Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked help was taken from 1923 law in this case. World was unaware of basic human rights in 1923. Single bench of IHC led by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb took up case for hearing.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Additional General Munawwar Iqbal appeared in court under court's order. FIA special prosecution team also appeared in court.

Counsel for the petitioner took plea trial be halted. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked we are issuing notice and later court will see matter. FIA prosecutor received notice in court. Suleman Akram Raja counsel for PTI founder appeared in court through video link.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked I need reply to two questions.  This court had said open trial should be conducted. Then why in-camera hearing was held. Security is in jurisdiction of court. We will not interfere in it.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked cipher trial is being run in haste. Importance of open hearing is neither clear on judge of special court nor on prosecutors. Cipher trial is first trial of its nature. We have to see if right of fair trial under Article 10-A was given or not in cases like this.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired what facts were before Supreme Court when it granted bail. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked now my clarification has been done. SC remarked sufficient material was not before them for not granting bail. Court while issuing stay order on cipher trial stopped it till January 11.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 29 2023

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