In Islamabad, a lawyer representing PTI founder Imran Khan has asserted that the statement made by former principal secretary Azam Khan in court differed from his statement during the investigation in the cipher case. Mr. Azam, who was once Mr. Khan’s secretary during his time as prime minister, is a key witness for the prosecution in the case. The Islamabad High Court heard appeals filed by ex-PM Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi against their conviction in the cipher case, with the Federal Investigation Agency appointing special prosecutors for the case. The court rejected a request for more time to prepare arguments, emphasizing the importance of hearing all details due to the special law involved. Mr. Khan’s counsel argued that the case was registered under the Official Secrets Act on weak grounds, noting discrepancies in Mr. Azam’s statements made before the magistrate and in court. The court adjourned further hearings until March 11, as well as Mr. Khan and his spouse’s appeal against conviction in the Toshakhana reference due to missing records.