Punjab tribunal orders opposition leader to pay Rs3m in defamation suit
The Lahore Defamation Tribunal ordered Punjab Assembly opposition leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi to pay Rs3 million to Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Tuesday.
Tribunal rules against opposition leader
The tribunal decreed the plaintiff's claim for general damages amounting to three million rupees. It dismissed the request for special and punitive damages in this short order. A detailed judgment will be issued separately by the court.
Allegations concern paid assembly visitors
Qureshi had alleged that Bokhari arranged for 200 paid individuals to enter the Punjab Assembly premises. He also claimed journalists questioning KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were her salaried employees. Qureshi acknowledged making these remarks during a television programme but failed to produce evidence.
Original claim sought higher sum
Bokhari filed the suit seeking Rs800 million in damages under the Defamation Act. Her counsel argued that the defendant failed to substantiate his accusations with proof. The tribunal noted that the defendant acknowledged making the statements in question.
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- Dawn
- Business Recorder
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