Imran Khan defamation case: Power outage interrupts PM’s cross-examination

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared via video link before a sessions court in Lahore on Saturday in connection with the Rs10 billion defamation lawsuit filed against PTI founder Imran Khan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to details, during the cross-examination by the PTI lawyer, a power outage occurred, causing the computer system to shut down and PM Shehbaz Sharif to go off-screen.

However, once power was restored in the courtroom, the prime minister resumed his testimony and responded to further questions put by Imran Khan's lawyer.

During the proceedings, the PTI lawyer pointed out that the word “publication” was used in the defamation claim, whereas the PTI founder had not issued any formal publication.

To this, PM Shehbaz responded that even a statement aired on television constitutes projection, and the PTI founder had made false statements on air that were also published in newspapers.

The Prime Minister confirmed, "The defamation suit was indeed filed while he was Chief Minister of Punjab. It was filed under his direction and consent. The oath commissioner visited him to have the document signed. The claim was filed before the district judge, not in a regular district court, and no media owner or employee was made a party in the case."

The court informed both parties that the cross-examination could not be completed today, and a further couple of dates would be scheduled to continue the proceedings.

Reporter: Shaheen Atiq