LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has won a defamation case against Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi, with the Lahore Defamation Tribunal ordering him to pay Rs84 million in damages.
The case was filed by Azma under the Punjab Defamation Act over remarks made by Qureshi during a private television programme concerning the visit of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to the Punjab Assembly.
The tribunal issued a brief verdict in Azma’s favour on Tuesday, while the detailed judgment is expected to be released later.
What Did Moeen Qureshi Allegedly Say?
The dispute centred on allegations made by Qureshi regarding the visit of then Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to the Punjab Assembly.
Qureshi had alleged that Azma arranged for between 150 and 200 paid individuals to enter the assembly premises during the visit.
He also alleged that journalists who questioned Afridi during the visit were paid employees of the Punjab information minister.
Azma rejected the allegations and approached the Lahore Defamation Tribunal, seeking Rs84 million in damages over what she described as false and damaging statements.
The original defamation suit was filed in January and was supported by material including video footage, screenshots and transcripts.
Tribunal Rules in Azma’s Favour
Azma’s counsel, Ali Bukhari, presented arguments on her behalf during the proceedings.
According to reports on the tribunal’s decision, Qureshi acknowledged making the remarks during the television programme but failed to produce evidence sufficient to substantiate the allegations.
The tribunal also observed that Qureshi’s legal team was unable to disprove Azma’s claims during the proceedings.
Following the ruling, Qureshi is liable to pay Rs84 million in damages to Azma Bokhari.
Detailed Judgment Awaited
The tribunal has so far issued a brief decision, with the detailed judgment to follow.
The detailed ruling is expected to provide further legal reasoning behind the decision and clarify the basis for the damages awarded.
The case represents a significant legal development in the dispute between the Punjab government’s information minister and the provincial opposition leader over statements made publicly on television.
