The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dismissed the adjournment plea presented by the FIA prosecutor in the Cipher case.
Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Gul Hasan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing, which revolved around an appeal against the conviction in the cipher case concerning the founder of PTI.
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, reiterating its stance from the previous hearing, refused to grant any adjournment.
Founder PTI's lawyer, Salman Safdar, underscored the court's previous directive against adjournment requests. He also raised concerns about the readiness of the case materials, including the absence of prepared paper books.
The proceedings delved into the intricacies of the case, with arguments from both sides. Salman Safdar highlighted discrepancies in the handling of evidence, particularly regarding the status of the accused individuals and the procedural aspects of witness statements.
Chief Justice Amir Farooq stressed the importance of fair procedure, cautioning against premature arrests based solely on FIR filings. He criticized the antiquated mindset prevalent in law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for cooperation over coercion in investigations.
Despite the complexity of the case, the court urged thorough preparation from both parties for the upcoming hearings. The Chief Justice underscored the significance of the case, urging adherence to legal principles and support for the judicial process.
The hearing concluded with the court adjourning the proceedings until March 11, allowing time for further deliberation and preparation on both sides. The case continues to garner attention due to its unique nature and implications for legal proceedings in similar cases.
