LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has filed a defamation suit against Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Moeen Qureshi seeking damages of Rs800 million.

The minister approached the Lahore Defamation Tribunal under section 3 of the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.

She filed the claim against the opposition leader, alleging that he made baseless and fabricated accusations against her.

According to the suit, the opposition leader falsely claimed that the Punjab information minister facilitated the entry of 150 to 200 paid individuals into the Punjab Assembly during the visit of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

The suit states that the controversial statement was widely aired on television and circulated on social media, reaching millions of viewers.

It maintains that the allegations were broadcast during a TV talk show and shared through the official PTI social media account.

Ms Bokhari contends that the false accusations have caused a serious damage to her reputation, dignity, and credibility.

She asks the tribunal to direct Mr Qureshi to pay damages accordingly.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2026