Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has won a major legal victory in the United Kingdom after filing a defamation claim against a private news channel over allegations that she purchased a Toshakhana watch through corrupt means.
The controversy stemmed from an episode of the talk show Muqabil, aired on November 17, 2022, which claimed that Maryam obtained a Toshakhana watch worth one million rupees for just Rs45,000 with the help of bureaucrats. The programme accused her of manipulating the valuation process to acquire the watch at a fraction of its true worth and of hypocrisy for criticizing former prime minister Imran Khan over similar accusations.
Maryam’s legal team, represented by Barrister David Lemer of Doughty Street Chambers and solicitors Sadia Qureshi and Ushrat Sultana of Stone White Solicitors, argued that the allegations were entirely false and had caused serious harm to her reputation. They demanded a public apology and compensation from the broadcaster.
After nearly three years of proceedings at the UK High Court, the news channel formally apologized to Maryam Nawaz, retracting its claims and expressing regret for the distress caused. In its video statement, the channel said the allegations arose from “unintentional and vague explanation of the documents” and added, “Galaxy Broadcasting Network UK apologises to Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the hurt and upset these programmes caused.”
During the trial, the broadcaster did not attempt to defend the claims as factual but instead argued that the programme was in the public interest, meant to promote transparency around Toshakhana transactions.
Though the channel ceased operations in the UK on July 31, 2024, the case continued in the High Court until its conclusion in Maryam’s favor, marking a decisive legal and reputational win for the Punjab chief minister.
