PM Shehbaz testifies via video link in defamation suit against Imran Khan

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday appeared via video link before a Lahore sessions court in connection with his defamation suit against PTI founder Imran Khan, seeking damages of Rs 10 billion.

The 24NewsHD TV channel reported that during cross-examination, Imran Khan’s counsel, Advocate Muhammad Hussain Chotya, asked the Prime Minister where his name was mentioned on the receipts of the legal notice.

The lawyer also pointed out that no signatures of the recipient were present, nor was it indicated who had accepted the legal notice.

Responding, Shehbaz Sharif said, “My lawyer Khawaja Haris’s name is written on them. The receipts clearly carry the name of my counsel. Whatever receipts are there, they are before the court.”

Earlier, at the start of the hearing, PM Shehbaz urged the court not to delay the case.

“I am busy with flood-related matters, but wasting time is not acceptable. The law allows you, Judge Sahib, to proceed as per procedure. I am appearing before this court with seriousness. I have even postponed a flood-related meeting briefly to attend,” he told the court.

When Imran Khan’s lawyer arrived late, Shehbaz requested that the hearing be briefly adjourned, after which the court temporarily paused the hearing.

Later, during resumed proceedings, Imran Khan’s counsel asked if the PM Shehbaz Sharif had personally drafted the legal notice against Imran. Shehbaz confirmed, “Yes, this legal notice was drafted under my directions.”

The court bound Shehbaz Sharif for further cross-examination and adjourned the hearing until September 16.

Reporter: Shaheen Ateeq