Malik Ahmed Khan said that Imran Khan had leveled false bribery allegations against Shahbaz Sharif
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 29th, 2025) In a major development in the defamation case filed by Shahbaz Sharif against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan on Saturday recorded his statement as a witness in the Lahore session court.
Session judge Yilmaz Ghani had summoned Malik Ahmed Khan as a witness in the 10 billion rupees defamation case. Malik Ahmad Khan appeared before the court and gave his testimony.
During his statement, Malik Ahmed Khan said that Imran Khan had leveled false bribery allegations against Shahbaz Sharif. He explained that in April 2017, Imran Khan made serious accusations that were broadcast on various television channels.
Khan further stated that he has a political affiliation with Shahbaz Sharif, who, as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, has served the public with dedication. He claimed that Imran Khan’s allegations were part of a deceptive propaganda campaign against Shahbaz Sharif.
Malik Ahmed Khan also emphasized that islam strictly prohibits falsehood and gossip, saying, “Telling lies and spreading stories about someone is not only legally wrong but also against religious principles.”
In response to questions from Imran Khan’s lawyer, Ahmed Hussain Chottian, regarding the programs mentioned by Malik Ahmed Khan, the Speaker clarified that these were national programs aired on national broadcasting networks, though not all of them were broadcast from Punjab.
Imran Khan’s lawyer also asked whether Malik Ahmed Khan was familiar with the Panama case. To which, the Speaker responded that the Panama papers case was about individuals with foreign investments.
Further questioning revolved around whether Imran Khan had filed a petition in the Supreme Court regarding the Panama Papers. Malik Ahmed Khan stated he was unaware of any such petition. When asked if he knew that Imran Khan's petition was aimed at Nawaz Sharif, Malik Ahmed Khan said he did not have detailed knowledge about it.
The defense lawyer continued questioning about Nawaz Sharif’s conviction in the Panama Papers case, to which Malik Ahmed Khan confirmed that Nawaz Sharif was indeed convicted. When asked if this defamation case was based solely on the Panama case, Malik Ahmed Khan denied it, calling the claim incorrect.
After completing the cross-examination, the defense lawyer concluded questioning, and the court adjourned the case until December 13, with further witnesses from Shahbaz Sharif’s side being summoned for the next hearing.
After giving his testimony as a witness in the defamation case, Malik Ahmed Khan spoke to the media, expressing his thoughts on various political and legal matters. He commented on recent amendments in the Parliament, saying, “Parliament has made changes today, something I have been advocating for the past 15 years. I thank Allah that Parliament has taken its stance. It is unimaginable that Parliament would relinquish its rights.”
Malik Ahmed Khan further stated, "I came to the court today with great mental distress; this case has been ongoing for seven years. Whenever there is a discussion about fixing the system, there is an uproar. The right to draft the constitution belongs only to Parliament, not the Supreme Court. The IMF report suggests that Parliament should be made more effective."
He also commented on the treatment of Shahbaz Sharif during his imprisonment, comparing it to the treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan. “Was Imran Khan treated like an exceptional figure? Shahbaz Sharif was kept in prison under the same prison manual. He wasn't even allowed home-cooked food. Where does the jail manual state that the CM will meet his family? When TLP did something similar to 9 May, they were banned, but decisions like the Panama case and sending the Prime Minister home were made without any restrictions.”
The defamation case against Imran Khan is continuing as the public is closely following the development.
