PKR10bn defamation case: PM Shehbaz dubs allegations baseless

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared before a Lahore sessions court via video link on Saturday in a PKR10 billion defamation case against PTI founder Imran Khan, with the hearing adjourned until May 24. During cross-examination, PM Shehbaz acknowledged he didn’t have a copy of the defamation suit when questioned, requesting time as his lawyers forwarded it via WhatsApp. He categorically denied claims that the PTI founder had directly offered him a Rs10bn deal in the Panama Papers case, terming such allegations “baseless.”

The prime minister challenged PTI’s narrative by pointing out his late brother Abbas Sharif had already passed away when the alleged bribe offer was supposedly made. While accusing the PTI founder of “fabricating false allegations on TV,” PM Shehbaz conceded the figure “Rs10bn” hadn’t been explicitly used in public statements against him.

The case originates from 2022 allegations by PTI leaders accusing the Sharif family of demanding Rs10bn to settle corruption cases. The prime minister’s virtual court appearance marks a rare instance of a sitting premier testifying in ongoing litigation. The next hearing is scheduled for May 24 (Case No. 1389/22).