Imran stands by comments as Jang-Geo group file defamation notice

PTI statement says Imran Khan is now reconsidering legal options against personalised attacks on Geo, Jang column.

ISLAMABAD: Terming it as bizarre to accuse a political leader of defamation for demanding an inquiry into allegations, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in an official statement on Wednesday responded to a defamation notice from Geo, that party chief Imran Khan stood by comments made on a television show.

PTI’s Central Information Secretary Shireen Mazari said in the statement that a legal defamation notice was faxed to the PTI Central Office in Islamabad on Tuesday on behalf of registered companies Jang, Geo Group over Imran’s interview with ARY show host Mubasher Lucman aired on Monday. The notice demanded that Imran “stop the broadcast of his interview of October 28 on ARY channel – as “the language and the conclusive tone” the chairman allegedly used in the interview “is highly defamatory and unacceptable,” the statement read.

Mazari defended Imran, saying the chairman stated categorically that any allegations regarding ANY media house relating to money coming from abroad and allegedly creating links with foreign intelligence agencies must be properly investigated as “it was a very serious matter.”

The PTI information secretary further defended the PTI chief’s resolute tone cited in the notice, claiming it was resolute in demanding such an inquiry rather than coming to a conclusion on his own. “It is bizarre to accuse a political leader or any citizen of defamation merely because they demand an inquiry into what are serious allegations involving the security of the country,” the statement further read.

“Since chairman Imran did not take the name of any media house when demanding an inquiry, the defamatory note itself can be subject to a defamatory legal notice to the media house sending it,” the statement read.

Noting how the notice took issue with Imran questioning the manner in which rights for broadcasting a Pakistan cricket series were obtained by Geo, Mazari said it looked like a political leader cannot even ask a question about how such rights were distributed and why a competing channel chose to stay out of the bidding and that it was absurd since demands for transparency are part of the democratic process given such questions were also being raised in the Parliament.

“As Parliamentary leader of the second largest political party in the country, Imran has every right to seek an explanation of how contracts and bids are decided by the government. Where does defamation come in?” Mazari asked in the statement.

Mazari stated that the legal notice seemed to reflect a guilty mindset where muzzling of free speech is being asserted and there is clear character assassination of the anchor who conducted Imran’s interview. “Those who demand freedom of expression, speech for themselves clearly cannot stomach it for others. The guilt and arrogance of Geo/Jang group is absurd especially when they query Imran giving an interview to Lucman. Who are they do decide who is fit to be given an interview?”

Mazari recounted how Imran had displayed restraint in not adopting the legal route against criticism and personalised attacks against him (Imran) not only on Geo channel but also in the Jang newspaper – where a weekly column is being used to malign him with a tirade of unsubstantiated allegations. However, this was now being reconsidered following the defamation notice to the PTI chief and that the position Imran has taken reflects his party's consensual sense.

“We cannot be bullied into compromising on our democratic right of freedom of speech; nor can we be cowed down into keeping quiet when questions are raised that impact the country’s well being and security.”