KARACHI: Hashmat Habib President Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Adlia (TTA) said announcement of cipher case decision before February 8 election may boost up political move of Imran Khan’s party to their benefit.

He said Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi themselves had invited swift decision in cipher case like losing of election symbol on fraudulent certificate of intra party fake election.

On technical grounds this case may be remanded for cross examination by defence counsel of convicts. There is bleak chance to declare this judgment illegal because on face of it ciphers case is open and shut case.

However, trial judge took lenient view and awarded sentence of 10 years RI while section 5(3) (a) of OSA (Official Secrets Act) has provided sentence with death or with imprisonment for term which may extend to 14 years.

Hashmat Habib reminded that in criminal trial manner and behaviour of accused are very important but in this case to abuse social media for their political benefits all limits of decency have been crossed. He said trial court’s decision is appealable.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 01 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.