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Imran Khan handed 10-year imprisonment in cypher case

Prior to handing down the sentence, Judge Zulqarnain gave Imran Khan a final opportunity to disclose the whereabouts of the cypher

Imran Khan handed 10-year imprisonment in cypher case PHOTO: AFP

Former Pakistan captain turned politician Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10-years imprisonment on Tuesday.

Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain, presiding over the special court established under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), delivered the verdict within the confines of Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.

Prior to handing down the sentence, Judge Zulqarnain gave Imran Khan a final opportunity to disclose the whereabouts of the cypher.

Imran responded, reiterating his previous statement that the security of the Prime Minister House was not under his jurisdiction and he did not possess the cypher.

“I have mentioned in my statement that the Prime Minister House’s security was not my responsibility. I don’t have the cypher,” Khan said.

The genesis of the case dates back to March 27, 2022, when Imran publicly brandished a document during a rally in Islamabad, alleging it as evidence of an "international conspiracy" prior to his government's downfall following a vote of no-confidence.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) commenced its investigation into the "cypher-gate" on July 19, 2023, subsequent to the initiation of an official inquiry by the previous coalition government against Imran and his close associates for purportedly breaching the OSA.

Imran's arrest on August 5, following his conviction in the Toshakhana case by a local court in Islamabad, was followed by another arrest on August 29 in connection with the cypher case.

It is worth noting that Imran Khan stands as a unique figure in Pakistan's cricketing history, being the sole captain to lead the national team to a victorious World Cup campaign in 1992.