The Islamabad High Court has held back its decision regarding the internal appeal challenging the imprisonment trial and judge appointment for the Chairman of PTI in the cipher case.
During the hearing, Salman Akram Raja, the lawyer representing Chairman PTI, emphasized the need for a transparent and reason-based order from the judge regarding the imprisonment trial. Raja highlighted the necessity for approval from the federal government and the cabinet, stressing that the High Court should be duly informed.
Raja pointed out that although the judge penned a letter on November 8, it lacked the legal weight of a judicial order concerning the imprisonment trial. He emphasized that any actions taken prior to the cabinet’s approval on November 12 would be deemed unlawful, making the November 13 notification inapplicable retroactively.
Regarding the initiation of the judge appointment process, the High Court Registrar clarified that it was instigated by the Islamabad High Court itself, with the trial court judge informing the High Court before the imprisonment hearing.
Raja reiterated that the entire process of the imprisonment trial in the cipher case remained unauthorized. He insisted that any future imprisonment trials must be accompanied by a judicial order and requisite cabinet approval.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman expressed agreement that the imprisonment trial should be open to public attendance, emphasizing transparency.
The High Court has withheld its ruling on Chairman PTI’s internal appeal in the cipher case, with a concise judgment expected to be delivered today between 5 pm and 5:30 pm.