The Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) request for an in-camera hearing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s bail petition in the cipher case.
The court ruled that the hearing would be conducted in an open court. However, the IHC agreed to in-camera discussions regarding sensitive documents.
The IHC had earlier reserved its verdict on FIA’s plea, which was filed due to concerns about potential damage to Pakistan’s diplomatic relations if the case was discussed publicly.
The FIA cited the Official Secrets Act, emphasizing that certain information couldn’t be disclosed openly, including statements related to other countries.
Special Prosecutor Shah Khawar stated that sharing such information openly might adversely impact Pakistan’s diplomatic ties.
PTI chief Imran Khan, along with his party’s Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, is facing charges under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly misplacing and misusing classified documents for political gains.
Last month, Khan sought post-arrest bail in the cipher case, but the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, rejected his application, leading to his continued judicial remand until October 10.
The open court hearing on Khan’s bail petition is now scheduled for October 9, with the IHC ensuring confidential discussions on sensitive documents during the proceedings.
