CM sends Rs1b defamation notice to governor

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has sent a defamation notice worth Rs1 billion to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for “making a baseless claim” that the Apex Committee participants had endorsed the launch of Azm-e-Istehkam operation.

By making baseless accusation against the chief minister, the governor has damaged the reputation of the provincial chief executive, reads the notice. Therefore, the governor is required to either apologise or pay the damages, or else a formal lawsuit will be filed against him.

The chief minister sent the notice through his lawyer Asad Durrani. The notice further states that the chief minister not only holds a significant government position but is also a leader of the country’s largest party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, for which he has made great sacrifices.

He is highly regarded in his constituency, which is why the PTI founder chose him as chief minister of K-P. After his election, he had consulted the provincial cabinet on every issue and policy. However, the governor has leveled baseless accusations against him, alleging that he signed the draft of the operation Azm-e-Istehkam in the Apex Committee meeting of the federal government, which is entirely baseless.

According to the notice, the chief minister has not endorsed any decision regarding the launch of a new operation or any related matter in K-P, as such matters will first be put before the provincial cabinet or the provincial assembly.

However, the false statements made by the governor in the media have not only damaged his reputation but also caused him mental distress. Therefore, the governor is required to provide clarification within seven days or apologise through the media for his statements; otherwise, the governor will be liable to pay Rs1 billion for damaging the chief minister’s reputation. If this is not done, a lawsuit for damages will be filed against the governor.

On the other hand, Governor Kundi has dismissed the defamation notice saying that the chief minister was silent in the Apex Committee meeting and now he has sent him a legal notice.