IHC hopes PM Imran Khan will not make ‘secret’ memo public

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday hoped Prime Minister Imran Khan will not make a 'secret' memo public that, according to the government, "threatens" Pakistan's sovereignty.

In a written order, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said the court is confident that as an elected prime minister, Imran Khan would not disclose any information or act in breach of section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923, or violate the oath taken by him under the Constitution.

"Any decision taken by the Prime Minister has to be in consonance with his obligations under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and in letter and spirit of the oath of the office," the written order read.

The court said it has "trust and confidence" that the premier would not reveal any information which may be prejudicial to the national interest and national integrity of Pakistan, nor that he would act in any manner that would have the effect of violating his oath. The IHC CJ mentioned that if the court passes a restraining order, it would "unjustifiably reflect a lack of confidence in an elected prime minister."