In a court hearing in Islamabad, the lawyer representing the Chairman of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) argued against granting authority to an Anti-Terrorism Court judge for prosecuting cases under the Official Secrets Act.
The hearing took place at the Islamabad High Court and pertained to a petition opposing the trial of the cipher case at Attock Jail. The Chairman of PTI had filed this petition against the Ministry of Law’s notification to transfer the case.
Before Chief Justice Justice Aamir Farooq of Islamabad High Court, the lawyer for Chairman PTI presented their points. The lawyer highlighted two objections raised against their application. The Chief Justice, however, brushed aside the objections, encouraging them to focus on the substantive arguments.
Chief Justice Aamir Farooq inquired about any changes in the court’s venue, prompting Sher Afzal Marwat, the lawyer, to respond that cases involving the Official Secrets Act should be under the jurisdiction of a magistrate’s court. He argued that assigning Anti-Terrorism Court judges to handle cases under the Official Secrets Act is not appropriate.
The lawyer requested the court to issue a notice and elicit a response on this matter as well. The Chief Justice assured the lawyer that he would indeed issue the necessary notices as per their request. Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, the lawyer suggested rescheduling the case for the following week. Chief Justice Amir Farooq agreed, stating that he would personally hear the case during the upcoming week.
Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing of the case.