Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had leveled false and fabricated allegations against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Talking to the media after recording his statement as a witness in the Rs 10 billion defamation suit filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against the PTI founder, Tarar said that all evidence has been presented before the court and significant progress has been made in the case.

“We are hopeful that justice will be served,” he stated. Tarar said the defamation suit was filed in July 2017, but the PTI founder’s legal team has sought adjournments 120 times. “Even today, their lawyer was not present in court. They have neither any evidence nor any argument left to offer,” he remarked. Highlighting Shehbaz Sharif’s political career, the minister said the Prime Minister’s decades-long public service and commitment to national development are recognized by all.

“He has been a member of both the National and Provincial Assemblies since 1988, served three terms as Chief Minister of Punjab, and twice as Prime Minister. His entire life has been dedicated to serving the nation,” he said. “The PTI founder, on the other hand, has built his politics on falsehood and slander. After 120 adjournments, he stands exposed as a politician of deceit and hypocrisy. He will, God willing, face humiliation and defeat in court,” Tarar said. 

The minister also referred to a “foreign individual” — recently declared false by a London court — who was part of the same campaign to malign Shehbaz Sharif, and state institutions. “That same man later gave a platform to terrorist Ehsanullah Ehsan on social media — a disgraceful act no civilized society would tolerate,” he added. Regarding local government elections, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the local governance system, saying that elections should be held on time.

He recalled that in the past, vice chairmen had protested for their rights, and the government amended laws to address their concerns. On the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Tarar said consultations are underway to strengthen the institutional structure of the judiciary. Responding to questions about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Tarar said that the law is equal for everyone—no person’s trial can be halted because of their position. Whether a chief minister or an ordinary citizen, legal proceedings will take their course.” 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)