Supreme Court Stops Trial Court Proceedings Against PTI Founder, Seeks Response from Shehbaz Sharif

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily)** – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has restrained the trial court from proceeding further in a damages case filed against the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and has sought a response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to reports, the hearing was conducted on a petition filed by the PTI founder challenging the trial court’s decision in a defamation suit seeking Rs10 billion in damages. The Supreme Court issued a notice to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and directed him to submit a reply. The case will be fixed for an early hearing.

During the proceedings, Justice Ayesha Malik observed that no one had appeared from the opposing side. She remarked that she had previously written a dissenting note in the matter, adding that two judges had upheld the decision to close the right of defense.

Counsel Ali Zafar informed the court that the PTI founder had been unable to appear before the trial court due to a leg injury caused by a gunshot. He argued that despite acknowledging the injury on two previous hearing dates, the trial court had terminated his client’s right of defense over non-appearance. He further stated that witness statements were currently being recorded in the case.

Justice Malik questioned how the right of defense could be withdrawn after the injury had been acknowledged and inquired about the amount of damages being claimed. Ali Zafar confirmed that Rs10 billion had been sought in the suit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had filed the damages claim against the PTI founder, after which the trial court had struck off the latter’s right of defense due to non-prosecution. The Supreme Court’s latest order has temporarily halted further proceedings as it seeks a response from the other party.