PTI seeks to dismiss CM’s damages suit

Says since the comments were not made in Lahore, the case does not fall within the court’s jurisdiction

LAHORE: A district and sessions judge has fixed November 22 to hear arguments on an application from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeking the dismissal of a damages suit filed by Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif against PTI chief Imran Khan.

Shehbaz had filed a damages suit amounting to Rs10 billion against Khan for tarnishing the formers reputation during talk show appearances and public gatherings.

As soon as the CM filed a defamation suit, the PTI filed an application, seeking the dismissal of the case citing the reason that Khan’s remarks against Shehbaz were made in Peshawar and Islamabad, instead of Lahore. Thus despite Khan’s claims that the CM had offered him Rs10 billion to remain silent on the Panamagate case issue, the case does not fall under the court’s jurisdiction, argued the PTI application.



Shehbaz’s counsel, however, contended that as the speeches were heard all over the country on TV and no actual offer was made from the CM to the PTI chief, they were damaging to Shehbaz’s repute. He maintained that the PTI application is not maintainable and should be dismissed.

On Saturday, PTI’s counsels sought more time for arguments on a plea that their senior counsel, advocate Babar Awan, is not present in Lahore. The judge while admitting their plea fixed the next date for further arguments on the application.

It is interesting to note that Shehbaz, as a part of his case, submitted a statement saying he belongs to a noble family and is a highly respectable individual, enjoying an excellent reputation in both national and international circles. It also mentioned his long and illustrious career and the various public services to his credit.



The statement also spoke about his reelection as a member of parliament after the general elections of 2013, and election as Punjab CM for a third term. He also mentioned that he had, in the past, served as PML-N president as well.

He said that Khan, a political rival, had started spreading false rumours about him in the last week of April, going as far as to say that someone close to the CM had offered Khan a bribe for staying mum during the Panamagate case.

Shehbaz, in the statement, alleged that Khan had ruined his reputation in the eyes of the local and international community. He cited a public gathering held on April 28 at the parade ground where Khan called the PML-N a mafia, reiterating that he was offered money without disclosing any names.

He contended that these rumours, apart from tarnishing his repute, also caused him mental torture and anxiety.

Shehbaz requested the court that Rs10 billion be paid as compensation for the damage caused to his reputation as well as his health.