Lahore High Court Orders Petitioner to Appear After Babar Azam Wins Relief in Harassment Case

Pakistan’s top-rated batsman and former captain, Babar Azam, has recently received relief in a sexual harassment case filed against him. The case was initiated by a woman, Hamiza Mukhtar, who claimed that she had been in a relationship with Azam for an extended period. Mukhtar alleged that Azam forced her to undergo an abortion after promising to marry her but later reneged on his promise.

Following the police’s refusal to register a First Information Report (FIR), Mukhtar approached the trial court with medical evidence to support her claims and requested the court to issue directives to register the case against Azam for blackmail and sexual misconduct. The case has seen significant legal proceedings, with the Lahore High Court (LHC) extending a stay order on the trial court’s decision to register the FIR.

Justice Mohammad Waheed Khan, hearing Azam’s petition, has summoned the petitioner for further hearings. The next hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2024. In addition to the harassment claim, Mukhtar has accused Azam of threatening her and her family. This case has garnered widespread media attention, particularly given Azam’s prominent position in Pakistan’s national cricket team.