CM Shehbaz wants verdict on defamation case against Imran Khan

Shehbaz Sharif files petition asking court to expedite proceedings

LAHORE: With all eyes fixed on accountability court trial proceedings, in Islamabad, the Punjab government has again tried to shift the focus towards the defamation case filed against PTI Chief Imran Khan by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The latter has accused his rival party’s chairman of falsely claiming that he (Imran) was offered a Rs10 billion bribe to withdraw the Panama Leaks case.

Punjab Government Spokesperson Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan held a press conference on Wednesday on the defamation suit after Imran Khan, yet again, failed show up for court proceedings.



The Punjab CM, through his counsel, filed a petition on Wednesday for a quick verdict on the defamation case against Imran. He demanded that the matter be decided within 90 days, as per the law. The petition states that Imran is trying to delay the hearing of the case for the last four months. Shehbaz reminded the court that as per the law, the verdict should have been announced within 90 days.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, during the press conference, alleged the PTI chairman was hiding after hurling accusations at Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif.  “He is being called again and again to come to court and reply has only been baseless allegations.”

The spokesperson continued that the case had been ongoing for the last four months, yet Imran was unable to make an appearance from the date he accused Shehbaz Sharif of offering him a Rs 10 billion bribe to withdrawing the Panama case.

He stated that the Punjab chief minister had sought a clarification from Imran before filling the defamation case. He said the latter never even bothered to clarify his stance, therefore, the Punjab government had no choice but to approach the court.

After serving a legal notice, a defamation suit had been filed in the civil court. According to the law, Imran Khan was bound to submit a reply before the honourable court within 30 days, but he has been using one delaying tactic after the other, he said. “To date, his advocate has sought adjournment for the six time.”



Ahmad stated that Imran Khan had been served with various court notices to appear, but all efforts were in vain. He that now through the media, the Punjab government is again demanding that he explain baseless allegation against a leader of national stature and the chief executive of a province.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan alleged that Imran Khan was the champion of “politics of sit-ins” and the premiere panic creator in a peaceful political environment. He added Shehbaz Sharif had presented himself for accountability on all forums, time and again. “On the other hand, Imran Khan is a habitual liar.”

The spokesman further said that the record of 56 Punjab government companies had been submitted to the Pakistan Auditor General. “These companies were established for the better delivery of services and are working according to the book.” Responding a query, he said NAB had the legal right to start investigations against any major financial transaction, but it does not that an irregularity has been proven. He added the CM had always encouraged transparency in all government departments, including public sector companies, and no irregularity would be tolerated, he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2017.