LAHORE:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Thursday
sent Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman a legal
notice for levelling “baseless, frivolous, malicious, contumacious and
preposterous” allegations against him in a TV show.
“Maulana’s allegations and accusations are based on his mala fides
with clear malicious intent and purpose to tarnish the reputation and
image of Imran Khan, PTI, its workers, supporters, followers and
office-bearers,” the notice read.“You (Maulana) are therefore liable to be proceeded against for defamation under civil as well as criminal law. You are liable to pay substantial damage to IK and suffer punishment under the criminal law,” the notice further says.
The notice demands that JUI chief tender unconditional apology to Imran Khan within one week of receipt of this notice. It further insists that the apology should be telecast and broadcast on national and international media on prime time and conspicuously printed in all major newspapers within and outside Pakistan.
“In case you fail to tender unconditional apology within the time, Imran Khan shall be entitled to claim damages in the sum of Rs500 million from you and to proceed against you under the criminal law for prosecution,” the notice says.
According to the legal notice Fazl had accused Imran Khan of having political agenda backed by Jewish lobby.
“The host questioned you as to whether you had any proof or evidence in support of your accusations. You replied that your proof is your own person and that you are personally responsible for what you have said. Any way, you failed to disclose any proof or evidence,” the notice says.
The legal notice, dated August 13, was signed by Imran Khan’s counsel Hamid Khan and was sent to Fazl’s official residence in Islamabad and personal address in Dera Ismail Khan.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2013.
