ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has restored former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s right to defence in a defamation case filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, overturning earlier decisions that had barred him from presenting his defence.
The ruling was announced through a short order delivered by Justice Ayesha Malik.
Majority Verdict
According to the decision, the Supreme Court restored Imran Khan’s right to defend himself by a majority verdict of two judges.
The judgment also included a dissenting note from one judge, who supported maintaining the earlier order that had terminated the right to defence.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute stems from a defamation suit filed by Shehbaz Sharif against Imran Khan.
During the proceedings, the trial court had previously struck off Imran Khan’s right to defence. That decision was later upheld by the Lahore High Court, leaving the PTI founder unable to contest the claim through normal defence proceedings.
Following the Lahore High Court’s ruling, Imran Khan approached the Supreme Court seeking restoration of his legal right to present a defence in the case.
Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court reviewed the matter and decided to reinstate the right to defence, allowing Imran Khan to participate fully in the proceedings and present his arguments before the relevant court.
Legal experts note that the right to defence is a fundamental component of due process and fair trial principles, ensuring that all parties have an opportunity to present their case.
Implications of the Decision
The ruling does not decide the merits of the defamation allegations themselves. Instead, it concerns the procedural issue of whether Imran Khan should be allowed to defend himself in court.
With the Supreme Court’s order, the defamation proceedings are expected to continue, with Imran Khan now able to submit evidence, arguments, and legal responses as part of his defence.
Further Proceedings Expected
The detailed judgment is expected to provide the court’s legal reasoning behind the majority decision as well as the dissenting opinion.
The case will now move forward in the relevant lower court in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions, where the substantive issues in the defamation dispute will be examined.
The decision marks an important development in one of the high-profile legal cases involving Pakistan’s former prime minister and current political leadership.
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