Chief Minister Usman Buzdar serves legal notice on Irshad Bhatti

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 6 years ago

ISLAMABAD — Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar, has served a legal notice on television analyst Irshad Bhatti (pictured) through his lawyers, seeking Rs250 million in damages for defamation.

Bhatti claimed in the program Report Card on Geo News that the chief minister had married a second time besides leveling a couple of other allegations about his home and his trips to Khushab.

The legal notice said that Bhatti’s statements were malicious and untrue and painted the minister and his family as financially and morally corrupt.

The notice gives the analyst 14 days to apologize to the chief minister in an unqualified manner and pay Rs250 million in damages. It warned that if a suit was filed against him, an amount of Rs500 million plus the mark up would be claimed.

The program Report Card aired on October 10, 2019.

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

Newsroom

Judge blocks US detention of British anti-disinformation activist

December 26, 2025 A US federal judge blocks the detention of British anti-disinformation activist Imran Ahmed, a ruling with implications for journalists, digital rights advocates, and cross-border speech protections.

IMF and New Media Academy host media workshop in Dubai

December 26, 2025 The IMF and New Media Academy held a Dubai workshop for MENA journalists on economic reporting, social media content, and AI, highlighting regional investment in media capacity building.

Journalists face online threats after Bangladesh media attacks

December 26, 2025 Journalists in Bangladesh face rising online threats after mob attacks on media offices, amplifying fear for press freedom and safety in a tense political climate ahead of elections.

Europe criticizes US visa bans over digital speech dispute

December 25, 2025 European leaders push back against US visa bans on digital policy figures, warning the move could strain cooperation and deepen disputes over online speech and tech regulation.

Morocco reforms press council law amid journalist concerns

December 25, 2025 Morocco’s parliament has approved reforms to the National Press Council law, prompting protests from journalists who warn the changes may weaken self-regulation and media independence.