Lahore [Pakistan], October 18 (ANI): A sessions court in Pakistan has sought arguments from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s counsel in a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former PM Imran Khan’s lawyer, seeking permission to meet him in jail in connection with the defamation case against him, Dawn reported.
Sharif had filed a defamation case against Imran Khan in 2017 over allegations of his connections with the Panama Papers scandal. He sought compensation of PKR 10 billion.
According to Dawn, Imran Khan’s lawyer had argued that he wanted to meet him at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, as he sought instructions from him regarding the case and his signatures on documents.
He mentioned that the jail authorities did not allow him to meet his client.
The matter is adjourned for hearing on October 31.
Till now, as per Dawn, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan have recorded their statements in support of PM Shehbaz Sharif in the case.
The Panama Papers controversy in Pakistan surrounded former PM Nawaz Sharif, who was disqualified by the court, and his family. The controversy began with the leak in 2016, which led to pressure on Nawaz Sharif to resign from the top post.
The row also led to former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi resigning from the post of senior vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Meanwhile, Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. Since then, he has also been convicted of land corruption.
Last month, three of Imran Khan's sisters were also detained by the police. Police detained Aleema Khan, followed by the detention of Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. (ANI)
Pakistan: Court seeks arguments in plea filed by Imran Khan's lawyer in defamation case
