LAHORE: Pakistan Markazi Muslim League has served a legal notice on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, demanding an apology and an end to what it described as defamatory and insulting statements against the registered political party.
In the notice, the party said it was registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and had been participating in the country’s democratic process in accordance with the Constitution and law since 2022.
It highlighted its welfare activities, saying it had established relief camps for underprivileged people, widows and other vulnerable communities during floods and other natural disasters. The party also cited its initiatives in education, healthcare and the provision of clean drinking water.
The notice stated that the party contested the 2024 general elections with the chair as its electoral symbol and claimed to have secured the position of the second-largest political party in the November 8, 2026, by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala.
Referring to constitutional protections, the party maintained that freedom of expression was a fundamental right but could not be used to level serious allegations, including terrorism, against a legally recognised political organisation without supporting evidence.
It further argued that such remarks could mislead the public, undermine the democratic rights of its workers and damage the reputation of its leadership, potentially attracting legal action on grounds of defamation.
Through the notice, Markazi Muslim League called on the chief minister to immediately refrain from making or circulating any allegedly false, derogatory or defamatory remarks against the party.
It also demanded an unconditional public and written apology to its leadership, members and supporters through the same media platforms on which the disputed statements were made.
Additionally, the party sought a written undertaking from Maryam Nawaz that she would not repeat or disseminate similar allegations in the future. It also called for the preservation of all relevant records, including social media posts, messages and videos connected with the statements.
The notice gives the chief minister seven days from its receipt to comply with the demands.
The party warned that failure to issue an apology or meet its other demands within the stipulated period would leave it with no option but to initiate civil and criminal proceedings before the relevant courts without further notice.
