Karachi court hears plea for registration of criminal case against Trump

A local court in Karachi, Pakistan, on Tuesday took up a petition seeking the registration of a criminal case against U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that his order to strike Iranian nuclear sites caused psychological distress to millions, including Pakistani citizens and members of the legal community.

The court adjourned the hearing until Wednesday, asking the petitioner to justify the legal basis for filing such a case in Pakistan.

The petition was submitted by Advocate Jamshed Ali Khowaja, who claims to represent hundreds of members of the International Lawyers Forum (ILF). His counsel, Jafar Abbas Jafri, argued that U.S. B-2 bombers conducted the airstrikes on June 21 and 22, which led to widespread fear and mental trauma in Pakistan.

"A case can be registered not only where the crime occurred but also where its impact was felt," Jafri told the court, adding that the psychological effects of the attack were evident across Pakistan, including within the jurisdiction of the Docks Police Station.

He also pointed to increased U.S. naval activity near Pakistan’s coastline, claiming it further heightened public anxiety.

"The act has terrorized millions and caused significant mental distress, including to my client," Jafri added.

However, the presiding judge questioned whether the matter fell under Pakistani jurisdiction.

"This incident occurred outside of Pakistan," the judge noted. "If something happens anywhere in the world, should Pakistani courts be expected to take up every such case?"

The court granted the petitioner time to present additional arguments to establish the case’s maintainability.

Speaking to the media, senior lawyer Shaukat Hayat said the application lacked legal merit.

"Trump is the head of a sovereign state, and no direct harm was inflicted on Pakistani citizens or lawyers," Hayat explained. "If someone in the U.S. were to file a case against Pakistan’s prime minister, would an American court agree to hear it?"

Another senior legal expert, Ali Ahmed Palh, echoed that view, suggesting the petition was more about publicity than substance.

"If there is a legitimate grievance, the appropriate venue would be the International Criminal Court, not Pakistani courts," he said.

Jafri, however, maintained that the psychological impact of the airstrikes extended to Pakistani citizens and justified domestic legal action.

"This incident caused significant mental trauma, and therefore it falls under the jurisdiction of Pakistani courts," he reiterated in remarks to Arab News, expressing hope that the court would allow the petition to proceed.

Filed on June 24, the petition requests the court to direct police to register a First Information Report (FIR) — the first step in initiating a criminal investigation — and to provide legal and financial support for the process.