What is the cipher case that got Imran Khan a 10-year jail term?

By Editorji News Desk
Published on | Jan 30, 2024

10-year sentence

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Jan 30 were sentenced to 10 years in jail in the cipher case.

What is cipher case?

Case pertains to a diplomatic cable - the cipher - that Khan displayed at a public gathering.

'Confidential papers'

The document allegedly contained details of a meeting (on March 7, 2022) between US State Department officials and the then Pakistani ambassador.

Secrets exposed?

Khan waved a piece of paper, purported to be the diplomatic document, at a public rally in Islamabad on March 27, 2022.

Conspiracy claims

Khan claimed that the document contained 'evidence' of an 'international conspiracy' to topple his government.

Imran blames US

Since then, Khan has repeatedly brought up the document to claim that the US was behind the no-confidence vote against him.

Document leak allegations

In July 2023, the Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led govt accused Khan of “exposing an official secret document”.

Case filed against Khan

The next month, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered an FIR against Imran for making the contents of the classified cable public.

PTI slams 'sham' verdict

Khan's party said they'll challenge the conviction in a higher court, considering the trial was held with no access to media or the public.