Cipher Case Unfolds:
Imran Khan, who was removed from office via a parliamentary vote in April of the previous year, had claimed on March 27, 2022, that a scheme orchestrated by Washington was behind his ousting. To support this assertion, he displayed a cipher during a public rally. The United States has consistently refuted these allegations, labeling them as “categorically false.”
Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Imran Khan were both apprehended following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923.
Asad Umar, a close confidant of Imran Khan and former holder of the position of the party’s general secretary, has been implicated in the case. However, he relinquished his party roles after his arrest during the May 9 riots, during which PTI supporters launched attacks on government and military installations.
“In light of the ongoing situation […], it’s personally untenable for me to continue fulfilling my leadership responsibilities within the party,” remarked the former federal minister.
“I am stepping down from my role as PTI’s secretary-general and core committee member. One of the contributing factors is that I am forthright, and I find it challenging to issue personal statements while holding an official position.