Web Desk | Islamabad, Pakistan The Supreme Court of Pakistan held a hearing on Wednesday regarding a review petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan challenging the termination of his right to defense in a damages case.
A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Ayesha Malik, presided over the proceedings. Imran Khan’s counsel, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that under law, the plaintiff must file a request to terminate the defense, which in this case was not submitted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He contended that the trial court had acted on its own to terminate the defense, which was not legally permissible, and that Imran Khan’s right of defense was curtailed within a short two-month period despite the case spanning four years.
Justice Hashim Kakdar noted that Imran Khan submitted his initial reply after four years. Barrister Zafar explained that hearings on the court’s jurisdiction had continued throughout this period. Justice Malik inquired whether the court had taken action or imposed penalties for the delayed submission, to which the counsel replied that while the court had the authority, it did not exercise it. Justice Kakdar observed that no action was taken over the four years, yet the right to defense was terminated within two months.
The bench decided that the next hearing will be scheduled one month later. Barrister Mustafa Ramday, representing Shehbaz Sharif, stated that the trial had already been stayed and proposed that the hearing be held next week. Justice Malik explained that the bench will not be available for two weeks, and the interim order was issued to protect the petitioner’s rights. The court later adjourned the case until April 7, 2026.
