Lahore High Court Summons Woman Complainant in Sexual Harassment Case Against Babar Azam
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned the woman who filed a sexual harassment case against Pakistani cricketer Babar Azam for the next hearing scheduled on December 12.
The court heard a petition challenging the trial court’s order to register the case against Azam. Justice Mohammad Waheed Khan issued the order following a petition filed by the former cricket team captain, with Barrister Haris Azmat representing him.
The LHC also extended a stay order on the trial court’s decision to register the case. Babar Azam has contested the trial court’s ruling in the Lahore High Court, and a further hearing is set for December 12.
The case stems from allegations made by Hamiza Mukhtar a few years ago, in which she claimed to have had a long-term relationship with Babar Azam. Mukhtar alleged that she became pregnant but was coerced into aborting the child by Azam, who promised to marry her afterward. She presented medical documents to support her claims.
Mukhtar approached the police in Naseerabad to have an FIR registered against Azam, but the matter was reportedly resolved after Azam assured her that he would marry her. However, Mukhtar later alleged that when she attempted to file an FIR again, the police were reluctant to take action.
Mukhtar has requested the court to direct authorities to register an FIR against Azam for blackmail and for allegedly using the promise of marriage to exploit her. The police, however, have denied the harassment allegations against Azam.
A report submitted to the court by police officials refuted Mukhtar’s claims, stating that neither she nor her family were harassed or blackmailed by Azam’s family or the police. The additional district and sessions judge, Abid Raza Khan, dismissed the petition, instructing Babar Azam’s family and law enforcement to adhere to the law and refrain from any unlawful actions.
The court emphasized that every citizen’s rights, including protection from harassment and blackmail, should be respected under the Constitution of Pakistan, while reminding the parties that no one is above the law.
