Judgment reserved on FIA's request for in-camera hearing in Cypher case

Can't be tried in open court under Official Secrets Act, FIA prosecutor

IMRAN KHAN

The Islamabad High Court has reserved judgment on the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) in-camera hearing in the cipher case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.


In the Islamabad High Court, Chief Justice Amir Farooq heard the FIA's request for in-camera proceedings on PTI chairman's bail plea in the cipher case.


During the hearing, FIA prosecutor Shah Khawar appeared before the court and took the stand that under the Official Secrets Act, the trial cannot be held in open court, while Chairman PTI's lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, opposed the separate application of FIA. .


Barrister Salman Safdar said that the request for in-camera hearing can be filed in the trial court itself, if there is something sensitive, it can be done in-chamber.


During the hearing, Chief Justice Amir Farooq remarked that it has to be decided whether the hearing will be held in-camera or in the open court. It should be kept within two days.


The Chief Justice said that the concerned office will schedule the case for hearing. Later, the decision was reserved on the request of the High Court for in-camera hearing of FIA.