Islamabad, May 29, 2024 — The sudden declaration of a public holiday on Youm-i-Takbeer by the PML-N government has postponed the highly anticipated conclusion of the appeals by PTI leaders Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi against their convictions in the cipher case. The appeals were scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, but the unexpected holiday announcement disrupted the proceedings.

A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), consisting of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, had previously indicated that they might conclude the case on May 28. However, the Cabinet Division issued a notification stating, “The prime minister has been pleased to declare May 28, 2024, (Youm-i-Takbeer) as a public holiday throughout the country,” leading to the closure of the apex court, high courts, and lower courts for the day.

The cancellation of the entire cause list, which includes the list of cases set for hearing, has resulted in a low probability of the cipher case being heard this week. Meanwhile, a verdict is expected today (May 29) in the iddat case involving Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, who are currently serving a seven-year sentence.

Additionally, the IHC is set to resume the hearing of a petition concerning the recovery of missing poet Ahmed Farhad. The registrar’s office has been instructed to arrange live streaming of the proceedings, with Justice Kayani previously permitting media coverage despite the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) banning reporting on the sub judice matter.

In a related development, Justice Babar Sattar, who reported being pressured to withdraw from an audio leak case, is expected to continue its hearing on Wednesday. Justice Sattar has claimed that a malicious social media campaign was launched against him after he resisted the alleged pressure. His complaint is currently being reviewed by a three-judge larger bench.

Looking ahead, on May 30, the Supreme Court will address the case involving amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance introduced by the PDM government. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, is anticipated to participate via video link from Adiala Jail. Additionally, the PTI’s appeal in the intra-party polls case is also slated for hearing on the same day.

These developments highlight the ongoing legal and political turbulence in Pakistan, with significant implications for key political figures and the judiciary’s role in maintaining legal integrity amid political pressures.

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