ISLAMABAD – Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has issued a Rs1 billion defamation notice to former FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi.
The party filed the notice over allegations linked to its role in public protests. JI said Zaidi made the remarks during a podcast interview.
The comments were also circulated on social media platforms, according to the party. JI sent the legal notice through its lawyer on July 27.
The party is seeking Rs1 billion in damages from the former FBR Chairman. It has also demanded evidence to support the allegations made against it.
According to JI, Zaidi described the party as an “establishment’s firewall.” The party says the statement suggested that JI helped reduce pressure from public issues and protests.
JI considers the remarks serious and damaging to its reputation. The party said the allegations involved claims of secret funding, bribery and corruption.
The legal notice also alleged possible links between the party and state elements. JI has rejected the claims and demanded that Zaidi prove his allegations.
The party has asked for specific details about the alleged financial transaction. These include the identity of the person who allegedly made the payment.
JI also wants the identity of the alleged recipient. It has asked for the amount, date and location of the claimed payment.
The party has further demanded details about the method used for the alleged transaction. It has also sought information about any bank accounts involved.
JI wants Zaidi to provide financial records connected to the allegations. The party has also requested documents and other supporting evidence.
The notice further seeks the names of witnesses linked to the claims. It also asks for evidence related to the protest or public issue mentioned by Zaidi.
The dispute has now moved into the legal domain. The Rs1 billion demand could lead to further proceedings if the matter remains unresolved.
The former FBR Chairman has acknowledged receiving the legal notice. Speaking to Dawn, Shabbar Zaidi said he had forwarded it to his lawyer.
Zaidi said his lawyer would review the notice and provide legal advice. He did not provide further details about his next legal steps.
The allegations have not been established in court. The legal notice represents JI’s position regarding the remarks attributed to Zaidi.
The case highlights the potential legal consequences of public allegations involving political parties. Further developments will depend on the response from Zaidi and his legal team.
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For now, JI is seeking clarification and evidence over the claims. The former FBR Chairman is expected to respond after consulting his lawyer.
