Former PM Imran Khan was apprehended in March of the previous year on charges related to violating the Official Secrets Act

ISLAMABAD: A Special court in Pakistan extended the judicial custody of former Prime Minister Imran Khan for an additional 14 days in the Official Secrets Act case. This decision diminishes the likelihood of his early release. Imran Khan, the Chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was apprehended in March of the previous year on charges related to violating the Official Secrets Act.

The Accusations stem from the alleged breach of confidentiality concerning an official document (cipher) transmitted by the Pakistani embassy in the United States. This marks the third time Khan's judicial custody has been prolonged, with the last 14-day detention period ending on the day of this recent extension.

Conducted by Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain at District Jail Attock, the hearing led to the decision to extend Imran Khan's judicial custody until October 10, allowing ample time to conclude the ongoing investigation. Imran Khan has been detained at this jail since August 5, subsequent to being declared guilty in the Toshakhana case.

In a parallel development, the court also prolonged the custody of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for the same duration, implicating him under the Official Secrets Act as well.

However, despite a recent order by the Islamabad High Court to transfer Imran Khan to Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, no action has been taken yet. The authorities had previously justified hearing the case within the jail premises citing security concerns.