Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been disqualified for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan due to his involvement in the cipher case. Qureshi and Imran Khan were convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally retaining and communicating a classified diplomatic cable. The disqualification comes shortly before the February 8th general elections, marking a significant setback for the PTI and its leadership. The ruling prevents Qureshi from participating in the upcoming general elections in 2024, effectively sidelining him from the political arena. The Election Commission's decision highlights the strict enforcement of electoral regulations and signifies a commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within the political landscape.