Appearance in Lahore Court
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told a Lahore sessions court that he had come “specifically from Qatar” to attend proceedings in a defamation case filed against former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Sharif, who joined the hearing through a video link, stressed that he had been present for over an hour to ensure due process. “If necessary, I will appear again tomorrow so that cross-examination can be completed,” he said, underscoring his commitment to respecting the judiciary despite his busy official schedule.
The case involves a defamation suit that Shehbaz Sharif lodged against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. The prime minister alleges that Khan made defamatory remarks damaging to his reputation.
National Crisis and Legal Obligations
During his statement, Sharif noted that Pakistan was facing a serious flood emergency, with waters moving into Sindh after devastating several regions. The federal and provincial governments, he said, had jointly declared an agricultural emergency to cope with the crisis.
“Despite the national emergency, I have ensured my presence before the court to meet my legal responsibility,” the prime minister remarked. His comments appeared aimed at reinforcing his image as a law-abiding leader willing to balance governance with accountability.
Debate Over Legal Notice
The hearing also featured a sharp exchange between the legal teams of both leaders. Shehbaz Sharif’s lawyer argued that a legal notice had been dispatched to Imran Khan via courier service, fulfilling the required formalities.
However, Khan’s counsel raised objections, claiming that the receipts did not carry Sharif’s name, and therefore could not be considered valid proof of delivery. The defence questioned whether the notice had actually reached Khan.
PM’s Clarification
Responding to the objection, Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the receipts bore the name of his lawyer rather than his own. “Judge sahib, the receipts are before you. I stand by their contents,” he told the court, affirming that the documents were already part of the official record.
Khan’s lawyer maintained that the receipts also failed to indicate who had received the legal notice. The prime minister, however, repeated his position that all legal requirements had been met in the process.
Context of the Case
The defamation case is part of the ongoing legal and political battles between Pakistan’s current and former prime ministers. Imran Khan, who was ousted from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, has since faced a series of legal challenges, including corruption charges and contempt cases. He remains a central figure in Pakistani politics, with his supporters framing him as a victim of political vendettas.
For Shehbaz Sharif, pursuing the case serves both a legal and symbolic purpose. It allows him to defend his personal reputation while also projecting a stance of accountability before the courts. His decision to emphasize his appearance from abroad reflects his broader political strategy of portraying himself as both dutiful and respectful of legal institutions.
Balancing Governance and Judiciary
At a time when Pakistan is confronting both economic strain and climate-driven disasters, Sharif’s participation in court proceedings may also be intended to signal that no one is above the law, including the sitting prime minister. His remarks about travelling from Qatar specifically for the hearing underline this message.
The court proceedings are expected to continue, with cross-examination likely to focus on whether the legal notice was properly served and whether Khan’s remarks constituted actionable defamation.
