PMLN Approaches FIA Over Fawad's Wristwatch Allegation Against Maryam

PMLN Approaches FIA Over Fawad's Wristwatch Allegation Against Maryam
PML-N has approached FIA against PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry for accusing Maryam Nawaz of receiving a wristwatch from the Toshakhana, the state repository where the gifts received from foreign dignitaries are kept.

The complaint was filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for spreading "false news" spread through the Twitter handle.

The applicant, party's leader Usman Janjua, maintained in the plea that according to Toshakhana record, "no such watch was ever taken by her [Maryam]".

According to Janjua, the claim is an outright lie and a false propaganda deliberately spread to harm the PML-N leader's reputation.

Legal notice

Separately, the party sent a legal notice to journalists Amir Mateen and Sarwat Valim and producer of the show on 92 News for wrongly accusing Maryam of purchasing a watch worth Rs1 million, for Rs45,000, in the program aired on Nov 17.

According to the notice, a copy of which is available with the TFT, on March 12, the authorities concerned released the list of Toshakhana beneficiaries and Maryam wasn't on the list, which is contrary to the claim made.

It termed the details sufficient to prove that the allegations were leveled sans inquiry and to fulfill ulterior motives and extend undue favours to political parties rival to Maryam, and cause damage to PML-N.

The applicant went on to add that the claims have badly damaged the political reputation of the PML-N leader.

The journalists concerned were asked to pay damages worth Rs9.5 billion or clarify and apologise for their conduct in the bulletin and on their show at 92 News within 10 days, or face civil or criminal proceedings.

A case of pineapples

Meanwhile, party's sources say the PML-N leader only received boxes of pineapples, which is a perishable item and could be retained free of cost as per the rules.

They said that as per rules, gifts of monetary limits of up to Rs30,000 could be retained free of cost and Maryam only received perishable food items which are allowed as per the rules.

"The PTI social media team is creating a lot of ruckus which is absolutely wrong as it is a food item which would have been wasted if it wasn't taken home," a senior official from the Cabinet division said, adding that the former ruling party must double-check the rules before accusing someone of a wrongdoing.

The writer is a senior correspondent at The Friday Times with a focus on politics, economy and militancy. He also hosts the Hassan Naqvi Show on Naya Daur.