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Shehbaz Cross-Examined in Imran Khan’s Rs10bn Defamation Case
Shehbaz Sharif testifies via video link in Imran Khan’s Rs10bn defamation case. Cross-examination continues on April 25.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-19
Shehbaz Cross-Examined in Imran Khan’s Rs10bn Defamation Case

In a significant development in the ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against PTI founder Imran Khan, the former appeared via video link in a Lahore sessions court and was cross-examined by Imran Khan’s legal counsel, Mian Muhammad Hussain.

The case, which revolves around a Rs10 billion damages claim, was filed by Shehbaz Sharif in response to Imran Khan’s public allegation that Shehbaz had offered him a Rs10 billion bribe to back off from the Panama Papers case. The matter is currently being heard by Additional Sessions Judge Yilmaz Ghani.

During his video testimony, Shehbaz Sharif took an oath to tell the truth and confirmed that his own lawyer was present with him during the cross-examination. He noted, however, that the defendant’s lawyer was not physically present at his location.

Sharif explained that all laws and rules are reviewed by the federal cabinet before being sent to the President, and he personally signed the defamation claim. He acknowledged that while he signed the claim himself, he could not recall whether he read the defamation law prior to doing so. He also confirmed that the stamp paper was arranged via his lawyer’s agent and verified by an oath commissioner who visited him in Model Town, though he did not remember the oath commissioner’s name or the exact date of verification.

When questioned whether Imran Khan had ever made the alleged claim in his presence, Shehbaz admitted, “It is true that the founder of PTI has not made this allegation in front of me till date.”

Shehbaz further stated that the allegation was made on two television programs, but he did not verify which cities the broadcasts originated from, nor did he make any media institution, employee, or channel representative a party to the lawsuit.

The defense asked if the additional sessions court had jurisdiction to hear the claim or record testimony. This drew an objection from Mustafa Ramday, Shehbaz’s legal counsel, who said the legal issue had already been settled. However, when the court gave Shehbaz the opportunity to respond, he asserted that the court indeed had the authority to hear the matter.

The prime minister acknowledged that he was a member of the PML-N in 2017, although he could not recall whether he was party president at the time. He also admitted that Imran Khan, as PTI chairman in 2017, was a long-time political rival of the PML-N.

The court adjourned the hearing until April 25, when the cross-examination of Shehbaz Sharif will continue.

This case stems from a 2017 claim by Imran Khan, in which he alleged that Shehbaz Sharif had offered him a Rs10 billion bribe to back off from pursuing the Panama Papers case that led to the disqualification of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In response, Shehbaz filed a defamation suit seeking damages for the allegedly false and damaging accusation.
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