Islamabad: In a significant development, the special court established under the Official Secrets Act has granted a three-day physical remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi. This remand is in connection with an ongoing investigation into the cipher case.
Secure Transfer and Confidential Proceedings
In the early hours of Friday, Shah Mehmood Qureshi was securely transported to the special court under stringent security measures. The court proceedings were presided over by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain Hasnat. The session was conducted in camera to ensure the utmost confidentiality surrounding the sensitive case.
Extension of Remand Sought for Further Investigation
During the session, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented a request to extend the remand of Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The extension was deemed necessary to conduct a comprehensive investigation and gather additional information related to the cipher case.
After a brief recess, Judge Hasnat approved the FIA’s request and placed Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under Sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act of 1923.
Background of the Case
The arrest of Shah Mehmood Qureshi had taken place in the preceding week at his residence in Islamabad. Subsequently, he was taken to the FIA headquarters for questioning.
The case originated from an inquiry initiated following a complaint lodged by the Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) of the FIA. The inquiry unveiled a complex web of individuals involved in the dissemination of information from a confidential classified document to unauthorized recipients.
The First Information Report (FIR) revealed that individuals, including Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, along with their associates, were allegedly engaged in manipulating and distributing confidential information for their personal interests. This act is believed to have compromised state security concerns and was executed with ulterior motives.
