The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday rejected an adjournment plea filed by the FIA prosecutor in the Cipher case.
Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Gul Hasan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing, which revolved around the appeal against the conviction in the cipher case involving the PTI founder.
During the proceedings, FIA Special Prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah expressed the need for additional time to prepare, citing his recent appointment to the case. However, the court reiterated its position from the previous hearing and refused to grant any adjournment.
The PTI founder’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, highlighted the court’s earlier directive against adjournment applications. He also raised concerns about the readiness of the case materials, including the absence of ready paper books.
The proceedings delved into the intricacies of the case with arguments from both sides. Salman Safdar drew attention to inconsistencies in the handling of evidence, particularly regarding the status of accused persons and the procedural aspects of witness statements.
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Chief Justice Amir Farooq emphasized the importance of a fair procedure and warned against premature arrests merely on the basis of lodging an FIR. He criticized the antiquated mindset prevalent in law enforcement and emphasized the need for cooperation over coercion in investigations.
Despite the complexity of the case, the court called on both parties to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming hearing. The president of the court emphasized the importance of the case and called for adherence to legal principles and support for the judicial process.
The hearing ended with the court adjourning the proceedings until March 11, allowing time for further deliberation and preparation on both sides. The case continues to gain attention due to its unique nature and implications for legal proceedings in similar cases.
