Pakistan, May 17 -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared in Lahore's sessions court through video link in a defamation case against Imran Khan. The case involves Imran's old claim that Shehbaz offered him Rs10 billion to stay silent on the Panama Papers issue. Shehbaz denied the allegation and said it hurt his reputation badly. He called the claim more damaging than millions of pamphlets.

During the hearing, the court allowed Shehbaz to testify remotely. Imran Khan's lawyer cross-examined him and asked about past interviews. The lawyer asked if Imran later denied the bribe claim in a TV show. Shehbaz said he did not know of any denial and wasn't sure about the exact words used.

However, Shehbaz strongly said the statement clearly poin...