Court reserves verdict on indictment of Rajab Butt in Ayesha Sharafat case

The legal proceedings involving Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt took another significant turn as a Lahore court reserved its verdict on whether to formally frame charges against him and four co-accused in the Ayesha Sharafat case, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

According to the report, The hearing was conducted before Additional Sessions Judge Rafaqat Ali Qamar, where Rajab Butt, along with co-accused Jahangir and three others, appeared before the court.

During the proceedings, defence counsel Rana Abdul Maroof Advocate completed his arguments opposing the framing of charges. He maintained that the allegations against the accused were not substantiated and therefore did not warrant formal indictment.

On the other hand, counsel representing complainant Ayesha Sharafat argued that sufficient grounds existed for the court to frame charges against the accused and proceed with the trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its verdict on the matter. The decision will determine whether formal charges will be framed against Rajab Butt and the other accused, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

The case remains under judicial consideration, and the court is expected to announce its ruling at a later date. As the matter is sub judice, the allegations remain before the court and no findings of guilt or liability have been made against the accused at this stage.

Reporter: Shaheen Atique