Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared on Saturday via video link before the Sessions Court in Lahore during the hearing of his Rs10billion defamation lawsuit against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The proceedings were presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Yilmaz Ghani. During the session, PM Shehbaz took an oath via video link to testify in the case. "I will speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," he stated under oath.
He also read the religious text of the oath, adding, "If I conceal anything, may Allah be displeased with me."
During cross-examination, the counsel representing Imran Khan, Advocate Muhammad Hussain Chotya, asked: "Do you currently have a copy of the defamation suit before you?" PM Shehbaz Sharif replied: "No, I do not have a copy of the defamation case with me at the moment."
The prime minister requested a short adjournment, stating: "Please allow me a brief moment; my legal team is sending the copy over." Upon his request, the court granted a short recess in the proceedings.
It is pertinent to note that PM Shehbaz has filed a defamation claim of Rs10billion against Imran Khan, alleging false and damaging statements made against him. Advocate Muhammad Hussain Chotya was currently conducting the cross-examination on behalf of the PTI founder.
