A newly established special court, dedicated to handling cases under theOfficial Secrets Act of 1923, recently made a notable decision regardingthe proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The case revolvedaround allegations of his involvement in the unauthorized possession anddisclosure of a classified diplomatic cypher. To ensure the safety of ImranKhan and prevent any undesirable incidents, the court conducted thehearings within the confines of Attock Jail.
The presiding judge of the Special Court, Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain,issued a written order summarizing the events that transpired on August 16and 30 during the hearings. On August 16, the proceedings were held at theJudicial Complex. It was during this time that the Federal InvestigationAgency (FIA) requested a 14-day physical remand for Imran Khan. Notably,Imran Khan was already in custody for the Toshakhana case at the time ofthe hearings.
The Official Secrets Act grants the court the authority to make decisionsregarding the custody status of the accused, whether it be physical remand,judicial remand, or granting bail. Section 13 (3) of the Act clearlyoutlines this discretionary power of the court. Judge Zulqarnain emphasizedthe need to safeguard the accused individual’s life and avoid any potentialrisks. Given that Imran Khan was already under judicial custody for theToshakhana Case, the court was hesitant to bring him out of jail premises,considering the sensitivity of the situation and the potential forunexpected incidents.
The court order highlighted the exceptional nature of the trial,emphasizing that this was no ordinary case. As a Special Court responsiblefor handling sensitive and high-profile cases registered under the OfficialSecrets Act of 1923, the court recognized the gravity of the proceedings.The case involved a cypher, and the court acknowledged the importance ofmaintaining the sovereignty of the state throughout the proceedings.
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In conclusion, the establishment of a special court to address cases underthe Official Secrets Act of 1923 marked a significant development in legalproceedings. The decision to hold hearings within Attock Jail, as detailedin the court order by Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, underscoredthe court’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the accused, Imran Khan,and maintaining the integrity of the sensitive case involving a classifieddiplomatic cypher. This decision was rooted in the recognition of thepotential risks and the unique circumstances of the trial, which warrantedspecial precautions to protect the accused individual and the interests ofthe state
