FORMER PAKISTANI PM IMRAN KHAN TO REMAIN IN JAIL UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in the cypher case. The case relates to the alleged misuse of official machinery during Khan's time in office.

The LHC's decision came after a two-day hearing of the case. The court's two-member bench, comprising Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Sajjad Ali Khan, heard arguments from Khan's lawyers and the prosecution.

In its decision, the court said that Khan's bail plea was rejected because the prosecution had raised "serious" allegations against him. The court also said that Khan's continued detention was necessary to ensure the "fair investigation" of the case.

Khan's lawyers had argued that the charges against him were politically motivated and that he should be granted bail. They had also argued that Khan's detention was illegal because he was a former prime minister and enjoyed immunity from prosecution.

The cypher case is one of several cases against Khan that have been filed since he was ousted from power in April 2022. Khan has denied all the charges against him.

Khan's supporters have staged protests against his detention, calling it a "political witch-hunt". They have also demanded his immediate release.

It is unclear when Khan will be able to get bail in the cypher case. The LHC has directed the prosecution to complete its investigation by September 13. If the prosecution is unable to complete its investigation by then, Khan's bail plea will be considered again.

The decision by the LHC is a setback for Khan, who has been seeking to get bail in the cypher case. The case is one of the most serious charges against him, and his detention could have a significant impact on his political future.

Khan's supporters are likely to continue to protest against his detention, and the case is likely to remain a source of political tension in Pakistan.