PTI Official Issues Apology to Geo TV Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah
LONDON: In a significant development, a former official of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has publicly apologized and agreed to pay £40,000 in legal costs in a defamation case. This case, brought against three former PTI UK officials, was heard at the London High Court.
Background of the Case
Riaz Hussain, after nearly four years of legal battles, acknowledged that he had defamed Geo News journalist, Murtaza Ali Shah. His recognition of wrongdoing culminated in an apology, marking a turning point in a case that has drawn considerable public interest.
Withdrawal from the Case
With this apology, Riaz Hussain has effectively withdrawn from the legal proceedings by distancing himself from the false allegations against Mr. Shah. The remaining co-defendants, Mohammad Imran (former president of the northwest region) and Shanaz Saddique (also known as Shanaz Hussain, former general secretary), will continue to mount their defense in court.
Details of the Apology
The apology, delivered in Urdu and shared on his Facebook page, states, “I wish to apologize to Murtaza Ali Shah, Chief Correspondent of Geo News and Associate Resident Editor of Jang Group of Newspapers in the UK. On April 20, 2020, I published a video on my Facebook account alleging that Mr. Shah was corrupt and harmful to Pakistan through his misleading journalism. The High Court found this allegation defamatory on January 26, 2023.”
Clarification of False Allegations
Riaz Hussain emphasized in his statement that the previous allegations were untrue. He remarked, “Mr. Shah is not corrupt. He has not harmed Pakistan or misled people through his journalism.” This public acknowledgment of the truth is vital as it seeks to restore the journalist’s reputation.
Legal Consequences for Remaining Defendants
The case is now at a critical juncture. Last year, the High Court ordered the three defendants to cover £23,115.60 of Mr. Shah’s legal costs. As of now, this sum remains unpaid. The remaining defendants are scheduled to appear in court in September to address an application for debarring.
Context and Implications
During the time the defamatory statements were made, Riaz Hussain, along with his co-defendants, held influential positions within PTI UK. However, both PTI UK and its leadership in Pakistan did not endorse the personalized smear campaign orchestrated by Hussain, Imran, and Saddique. This highlights the broader implications of accountability within political parties and the media.
