Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has given his first response to Nawaz Sharif's return to the country four years later. According to media reports, when the hearing of the Cipher case began today, Imran Khan, upon reaching the court, spoke to the special court judge and said, "Congratulations, sir, Mandela has returned to Pakistan."
The Official Secrets Act judge, Abu al-Hasanat Zulqarnain, conducted the case hearing in Adiala Jail, where charges were brought against the former Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister. However, PTI Chairman and Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied the charges. The court summoned witnesses to testify on October 27.
It is being reported that in the Cipher case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has accused Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi of criminal actions as the Chairman of PTI at the time and their actions resulted in harm to foreign relations.
The FIA alleges that the illegal transfer of Cipher put the national security at risk, benefiting foreign powers, and causing harm to Pakistan. The former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are accused under sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act.
It has been revealed that a list of 30 witnesses has been provided along with the charges. The FIA's charges mention the role of Imran Khan's then Principal Secretary Azam Khan and his statements. According to the FIA charges, Prime Minister Khan was given Cipher on September 30, as per the directions of the Foreign Secretary, Cipher had to be returned the Foreign Office to destroy as per the rules.