The Lahore High Court (LHC) has once again deferred proceedings in the controversial Babar Azam Harassment Case, fueling public interest and legal uncertainty surrounding the star cricketer.
Babar Azam Harassment Case Adjourned Again
The Lahore High Court session, held to address the petition in the alleged harassment case involving cricket icon Babar Azam, ended in yet another adjournment. The plaintiff, Hamiza Mukhtar, appeared in court, while Azam’s senior lawyer, Barrister Haris Azmat, was notably absent.
In his place, a junior lawyer requested a postponement, which the court reluctantly approved. However, the judge criticized the persistent delays, stating, “This case has been pending since 2021, with repeated adjournments despite the stay order in place.” The court has now scheduled the next hearing for December 16, 2024, transferring the case to Justice Asjad Javed Ghural for further proceedings.
Accusations and Allegations in the Harassment Case
Hamiza Mukhtar has accused Babar Azam of multiple offenses, including making false promises of marriage, financial exploitation, and assault. According to her, the cricketer owes her Rs1.2 million and persuaded her to terminate a pregnancy during their alleged relationship.
Mukhtar claims that Azam assured her of marriage to resolve earlier disputes, but after his rise to fame, he severed ties and abandoned his commitments. The plaintiff has submitted medical documents to the court as evidence of the abortion and other claims.
Court’s Frustration with Delays
The Lahore High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of proceedings. “Since 2021, you have a stay order, yet your legal team frequently fails to appear,” the judge remarked to Azam’s counsel.
This ongoing delay has prompted criticism from Mukhtar’s lawyer, who insists the case warrants swift resolution due to its sensitive nature. The lawyer argued that the case not only involves harassment but also alleged rape and blackmail under false pretenses of marriage.
History of the Case
The case was initially heard in Justice Waheed Khan’s court, where a stay order was issued against registering the harassment case. Hamiza Mukhtar’s petition alleges that she approached the Naseerabad police to file an FIR against Azam. While a temporary settlement was reached after Azam’s promise of marriage, the plaintiff claims he later reneged on this assurance.
Mukhtar also accused Azam of blackmailing her when she sought to file a fresh FIR, alleging a lack of cooperation from local authorities. These developments have kept the case in the spotlight, drawing significant media and public attention.
What Lies Ahead?
The Babar Azam Harassment Case remains unresolved as proceedings are pushed further into December. With the case now assigned to a different judge, it is uncertain whether the repeated delays will persist or if the court will finally expedite the matter.
This legal battle continues to captivate audiences, not only for its high-profile defendant but also for the serious allegations involved.
A few days ago, during the Perth Test, cricket icon Wasim Akram was harassed by a fan who attempted to confront him in the commentary box. The shocking incident, witnessed by over 654,000 spectators and viewers, has sparked widespread outrage. Fans and experts demand improved measures for player and commentator safety, urging respectful fan behavior at sporting events. This controversy highlights the urgent need to address such issues in modern sports environments.
