Imran Khan’s lawyer failed to file a defamation case against Geo News in Dubai
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s lawyer failed to file a defamation case against Geo News in Dubai.
An attempt was made by PTI Chairman Imran Khan through his lawyer to file a criminal defamation case, but the Dubai authorities have refused.
In December last year, former Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he had instructed his lawyer Hassan Aslam in Dubai to file a case against Geo News, its anchor Shahzeb Khanzada and Dubai-based businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor in the UAE. (UAE) file a defamation suit and criminal proceedings.
Sources say that as per the instructions of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, lawyer Hasan Aslam Shad had contacted Barsha police station earlier this year to file a case, but Dubai Police refused due to lack of evidence and the lawyer’s request. The application was refused due to failure to establish the merits of the case under UAE law.
On December 17 last year, Imran Khan tweeted that “He has initiated criminal defamation proceedings under UAE law against Geo TV, Shahzeb Khanzada and impostor Umar Farooq Zahoor.”
In response to Imran Khan’s tweet, Attorney Hasan Shad said, “Alhamdulillah, it is my great pleasure and honor to fight for our leader and the last hope of millions of Pakistanis.” This is a huge responsibility for me. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to expose all lies and reveal their true nature to the world.
Three months later, Imran Khan’s lawyer Hasan Shad was unable to file a criminal defamation case against anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada, Umar Farooq Zahoor and Geo TV under UAE law.
In the UAE, defamation falls under criminal law, not civil law like in most countries, including Pakistan and the UK. According to Articles 371 to 380 of the UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 1987, a criminal case can be filed against a person or organization as a result of defamation. If the defendant is found guilty under the Criminal Code, he can be sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of Dh20,000. Anyone who wants to make a complaint has to go to the police before going to a public prosecution.