Defamation Case: Supreme Court Orders Formation of 3-Member Bench to Hear Imran Khan’s Plea Against Shehbaz Sharif
Islamabad, February 9, 2026 — The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the formation of a three-member bench to hear a defamation case filed by former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan against current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, while hearing the matter as a single-judge bench, issued the order for constitution…
Islamabad, February 9, 2026 — The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the formation of a three-member bench to hear a defamation case filed by former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan against current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, while hearing the matter as a single-judge bench, issued the order for constitution of a larger bench in view of the significance and nature of the petition.
The apex court has instructed that the case shall be re-heard afresh before the newly constituted three-member bench at the next hearing date.
The petition stems from Imran Khan’s claim that certain public statements and allegations made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amounted to defamation and caused serious injury to his reputation and dignity. Khan is seeking legal remedies including damages and retraction.
The Supreme Court has also directed issuance of notices to the respondents and submission of relevant record and documents.
The date for the next hearing will be fixed once the three-member bench is formally constituted.
The decision is being seen as an important development in the ongoing legal and political friction between the two prominent leaders, and is expected to attract significant public and media attention.
