Imran Khan to invoke his prime ministerial immunity in cipher case
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Shortly before his imminent indictment in the Cipher Case, former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan invoked his prime ministerial immunity.
A formal request to this effect was submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on a Saturday. The IHC issued a one-page order on the matter, stating that the petitioner, Imran Khan, argued that he enjoys immunity as stipulated in Article 248 of the Constitution.
Imran's legal team also contended that the FIR did not apply Section 5 of the act to their client.
In response, the IHC directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to provide a response on Monday, just one day before the scheduled indictment of Imran Khan and his Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Imran stands accused of violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) by allegedly retaining a copy of the cipher for political purposes. It's noteworthy that this is the first instance of the former prime minister seeking immunity in any case. Imran Khan is currently detained in Adiala Jail, with his bail application in the Cipher Case awaiting adjudication.
Simultaneously, a Special Court established under the Official Secrets Act of 1923 is conducting his trial within the jail premises.
Previously, the IHC had suspended his conviction in the Toshakhana Case and ordered his release.
ARTICLE 248(1)
As per Article 248(1) of the Constitution, the President, a Governor, the Prime Minister, federal ministers, ministers of state, Chief Ministers, and provincial ministers are not subject to legal action for their actions and functions while in office.
