LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared before a local court in Lahore via video-link on Saturday to testify in a Rs10 billion defamation lawsuit against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
Additional Sessions Judge Yilmaz Ghani presided the hearing, while Mian Muhammad Hussain, the counsel for the PTI founder, conducted the cross-examination.
The premier, appearing via video-link, took an oath before the defence counsel initiated cross-examination. During his testimony, the prime minister stated for the record that his lawyer was present with him during the cross-examination, while the PTI founder’s lawyer was not in the same location as the witness.
The defamation lawsuit was filed by PM Shehbaz in response to allegations made by former premier Imran Khan, claiming that Shehbaz Sharif had offered Rs10 billion to withdraw the Panama Papers case. He also said that he signed the defamation claim against the PTI founder.
To a query, the prime minister said he could not recall if he had read the defamation law before filing the claim. “The stamp paper for the claim’s verification was purchased through my lawyer’s agent, but I do not remember the name of the oath commissioner who attested the claim,” he said.
He added that the oath commissioner came to his Model Town residence, but he could not recall the specific date or time.
Shehbaz admitted that the PTI founder had never made the allegations to his face but had levelled them during programmes aired on two TV channels. However, he stated he did not know the cities from which these shows were broadcast and had not verified the broadcast locations before filing the lawsuit.
When asked if the PTI founder had personally published a statement against him, Shehbaz replied that all allegations were made by the PTI founder during television appearances.
The prime minister elaborated that he was unaware if the owners or employees of the two channels were associated with the PTI founder.
To a query, he said that the defamation claim was filed before a district judge but not in a district court, adding that media houses, their employees or executives were not made parties to the case.
During the proceedings, Shehbaz’s lawyer Mustafa Ramday, objected to a question from the PTI founder’s counsel regarding the additional sessions judge’s authority to hear the case and record evidence, arguing that this legal point had already been settled.
When asked by the court if he wished to answer, the PM stated that it was incorrect to suggest that an additional district judge, acting as a district judge, did not have the authority to hear a claim or record evidence. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) leader also stated that he could not recall if he was the PMLN president in 2017, when the allegations were made, but he was affiliated with the party and is still a member. The PM informed the court that the PTI founder was the chairman of his party in 2017 and that the PTI and PMLN had been political rivals since the PTI founder entered politics and formed his party.
Shehbaz confirmed that he had included the words “political rival of PMLN” in paragraph 3 of his claim.
The premier also stated that he was unaware that the word ‘originator’ had been removed from the defamation law and further said that the cabinet reviews all laws and rules before sending them to the president for approval.
The court adjourned the hearing until April 25, with further cross-examination of the prime minister expected on the next date.
Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was offering a highly conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment, with vast potential for economic growth and employment generation through the use of modern technology.
Speaking at the Health Engineering and Minerals Show at the Expo Centre Islamabad on Saturday, he highlighted the government’s commitment to creating investment opportunities across various sectors, including mining, information technology, and artificial intelligence. “Pakistan is rich in talent, especially in IT and AI sectors. We are extending investment opportunities to friendly nations and inviting them to initiate joint ventures, particularly in the mining and minerals sector,” he said.
Shehbaz said that over 60pc of Pakistan’s population comprises youths, who are intelligent, capable, and equipping themselves with modern skills and professional training. “Our young generation is our asset, and with the right direction and innovation, they can drive Pakistan’s economic success,” he added. The PM pointed out the government’s achievements in stabilising the economy. “Inflation has dropped from 38pc to single digit, and the policy interest rate has been reduced from 22.5pc to 12pc.
The stock market is performing strongly, and electricity prices have been reduced to lower industrial production costs and prices of essential goods, he added. Shehbaz claimed that Pakistan’s exports were increasing due to government’s consistent efforts and progressive policies. “We have successfully reduced reliance on imported goods by increasing local production,” he noted.
The PM lauded the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, calling their contributions vital for economic development. He also congratulated the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments for organising a successful event.
Several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, marking new milestones in Pakistan’s trade and investment outreach. The PM concluded by inviting international investors to engage in Pakistan’s promising sectors without hesitation, assuring them of a secure and business-friendly environment.
PM Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his government’s commitment to revitalise Pakistan’s agricultural sector through innovation, sustainable development, and active participation of young experts and stakeholders. “Pakistan has fertile land, capable agricultural engineers, and hardworking farmers. Other than climate challenges, we have all the ingredients for success. Real growth and progress in this sector can only come through science-led strategies,” the prime minister said chairing a consultative meeting on agriculture sector in federal capital on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by a diverse group of young agricultural scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and exporters, along with key federal ministers, to explore a forward-looking roadmap for agricultural reform in the country.
PM Shehbaz called for tapping into the talent of young professionals and researchers, while leveraging the wisdom of experienced experts to guide the process. He said that cotton production had fallen so low that Pakistan had become an importer, while neighbouring countries like India and China had progressed in crop yields.
Referring to 65pc of Pakistan’s rural population, the prime minister stressed the need to provide meaningful opportunities to rural youth, particularly in agri-tech and entrepreneurship. He noted the absence of patronage for local agri-machinery manufacturers and service companies supporting small farmers, urging that those be brought into a systematic framework.
“Today’s meeting is a turning point. We must learn from past neglect and embrace a comprehensive, inclusive strategy to move forward,” the prime minister stated, lamenting the lack of off-season storage facilities and value addition plants that could create jobs and reduce food wastage.
PM Shehbaz ordered for formation of working committees on five critical sectors identified during the meeting to submit actionable recommendations within two weeks. “This is our chance to revive Pakistan’s agri-economy with the help of our young minds, scientific knowledge, and collective commitment. Let’s not waste any more time,” the prime minister said.
The participants agreed on several priority areas requiring urgent attention mainly technological integration as proposals were floated to improve digital access in rural areas through better smartphone and internet availability, creating a central database for farmers and incorporating blockchain and QR code systems for input delivery to boost transparency and efficiency.
Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif Saturday strongly condemned the attack on vehicle of Minister of State Kheal Das Kohistani. He talked to him by phone and expressed his sympathy. He assured the state minister of a thorough investigation into the incident. He said the attack on the public representatives was unacceptable and added that the persons involved in the incident would be given exemplary punishment.
