Judge Manzer Ali Gill of ATC-I emphasised that the prosecution s case is largely based on digital evidence, which will be presented during the proceedings. The court issued this order after denying the prosecution’s request for additional time to conduct forensic tests on Mr Khan.

The judge observed that Mr Khan’s refusal to participate in the polygraph and photogrammetric (facial and voice analysis) procedures seemed like a strategic move to avoid the weight of the prosecution’s digital evidence. He noted, “Ultimately, this refusal of the accused may go against him.”

Despite two visits by police to Adiala Jail for conducting these tests, Mr Khan did not comply. Additionally, he refused in writing to cooperate with the investigation and did not meet with the investigating officer (IO), who visited the jail for this purpose.

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The judge remarked that in routine cases, the accused remains in IO’s physical custody during the investigation phase, leaving no room for such refusals. However, Mr Khan’s case is “unique” since he is detained under a different case at Adiala Jail.

The order stated: “So in this scenario this court is unable to understand how the investigation could be finalised?” Due to the lack of physical custody, the court acknowledged the limitations of conducting the forensic procedures and dismissed the request for more time.