LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Friday instituted defamation proceedings against Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Moeenuddin Riaz Qureshi, filing a petition before the Defamation Tribunal Lahore under the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.
According to the case details, the minister has sought damages amounting to Rs84 million. The petition submitted to the tribunal is supported by documentary material, including video footage, screenshots and written transcripts, and outlines claims for general, punitive and special damages against the respondent.
The legal action stems from remarks made by Moeenuddin Riaz Qureshi during a programme aired on a private television channel, in which he alleged that between 150 and 200 “paid individuals” were being brought into the Punjab Assembly on Azma Bokhari’s behalf.
In her petition, the information minister rejected the allegations as false and concocted. She stated that the remarks were aired on television and subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms, where they reached a large audience.
Azma Bokhari maintained that the statements had caused significant damage to her personal dignity and public standing. She described the remarks as malicious, hostile and irresponsible, arguing that they were made without any factual basis.
The petition further requests the tribunal to direct the respondent to pay compensation along with legal costs, asserting that the dissemination of unverified and defamatory claims against public office holders undermines the public interest and the integrity of democratic institutions.
