A sessions court in Lahore on Saturday completed the cross-examination of Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in the defamation case filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Additional Sessions Judge Yilmaz Ghani adjourned further proceedings until November 29 and summoned Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan for the next hearing.

During the proceedings, PTI founder’s counsel, Advocate Muhammad Hussain, completed his cross-examination of Atta Tarar.

Tarar appeared before the court and testified under oath.

The PTI founder’s lawyer argued that the record presented in court was neither in favour of nor against his client, nor was it signed by him.

Responding to the objections, Tarar maintained that the documents were certified public records that substantiate the defamation claim.

When questioned about newspaper clippings and other material submitted as evidence, Tarar reiterated that all such documents were part of the public record.

The lawyer also questioned Tarar about a USB submitted in court.

Tarar confirmed that he had purchased it from Hafeez Centre and that the material it contained was sourced from the media.

The PTI founder’s counsel further asked Tarar about his political affiliation and whether his testimony was influenced by politics.

Tarar denied the allegation and insisted that his statement was truthful.

After the cross-examination concluded, the court obtained Tarar’s signature on the relevant documents.

Tarar’s media talk

Speaking to the media outside the court, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the PTI founder had levelled “false propaganda” against Shehbaz Sharif, alleging he offered a bribe of Rs10 billion — an accusation Tarar said would now have to be answered in court.

He added that the Economist’s report had further exposed the PTI founder’s conduct, claiming that major decisions during the PTI government were made at the behest of Bushra Bibi.

Tarar also referenced the recent attack on Cadet College Wana, saying the tragedy could have been worse than the Army Public School incident if the Pakistan Army had not acted swiftly to rescue more than 550 students.

He said militants had shifted to soft targets after failing to hit hard targets.