PM slams delays in Rs10b defamation case

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed strong concern over what he termed delaying tactics by the legal team of PTI's founding chairman Imran Khan in a Rs10-billion defamation case.

The prime minister, who joined the proceedings via video link before a district court judge, said that "wastage of time cannot be tolerated at any cost."

The case stems from Imran Khan's allegations that Shehbaz had offered him a bribe to withdraw the Panama Papers case.

At the outset, Shehbaz's counsel pointed out that the PTI founder's lawyers had failed to appear on time, despite repeated directions.

He told the court that the prime minister had travelled from Doha specifically for the hearing, while the opposing counsel arrived 45 minutes late.

Addressing the court, the prime minister said, "Judge Sahib, the constitution allows you to proceed in accordance with law. I appear before this court with responsibility, but Imran Khan's counsels have already sought five adjournments."

Later, Imran Khan's counsel Muhammad Hussain Chottia contended that no deliberate delay was caused, arguing that he had sought only one adjournment. He further pointed out that legal procedure regarding first appearances before superior courts was clear.