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  • Cipher case: Imran, Qureshi lose temper before Judge

    Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi File Photo Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi

    PTI Founder Imran Khan and his aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi reportedly lost their temper before the special court judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain on Saturday.

    The special court is hearing the cipher case against the PTI leaders who face charges of leaking state secrets under the Official Secrets Act and other laws.

    It has been holding hearings inside the Adiala jail. On Saturday, when Judge Hasnat opened the hearing, he found defence lawyers absent from the courtroom.

    The judge expressed his displeasure over the absence of lawyers and issued a warning — a third in the case so far. Meanwhile, Shah Mahmood Qureshi snatched a file from the state defence counsel and threw it on the wall.

    Qureshi also tried to engage the judge in an altercation. Judge Hasnat warned Qureshi for his conduct. This was when Imran Khan also used strong words for the judge.

    The lawyers for Khan and Qureshi have been absent from the court for the past several hearings, prompting Judge Hasnat to write to the High Court, which has provided state counsel to both accused.