The Lahore High Court’s Additional Session Judge, Farhan Nabi, has rejected the appeal filed by Amir Zia, editor of Narratives Magazine, against the defamation ruling in favor of Zia Chishti, a prominent Pakistani-American tech entrepreneur. According to official documents, the court refused to overturn the earlier decision, which had been a significant legal victory for Chishti.
Defamation Lawsuit: Background and Allegations
In May of this year, Zia Chishti won a crucial defamation case against Narratives Magazine and its editor Amir Zia. The magazine had published a story filled with accusations against Chishti, branding his reputation as “toxic” and accusing him of sexual misconduct as well as violations of securities and corporate laws. These allegations, according to Chishti’s legal team, were baseless, defamatory, and driven by malice.
The court found that Narratives Magazine and its editor had no credible evidence to support their claims. Additional District Judge Lahore, Muhammad Farhan Nabi, ruled that the defamatory article had severely damaged Chishti’s reputation. In a landmark decision, the court awarded Chishti the largest damages for defamation in Pakistan’s legal history. Furthermore, the court directed the magazine to issue a public clarification and apology.
Amir Zia’s Appeal: Claims and Rejection
Following the ruling, Amir Zia filed an appeal, requesting the court to annul the previous judgment, arguing that he had not been properly notified of the defamation lawsuit. Zia claimed that his right to a fair trial was violated and that he only became aware of the court case after a reporter reached out to him, following reports in The News and Geo.
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However, Judge Farhan Nabi, in his ruling, dismissed Zia’s plea. The court concluded that Chishti’s legal team had demonstrated that the service of court papers was carried out correctly. The papers had been sent to the appropriate address, received by a legitimate representative, and Zia’s failure to appear in court was deemed intentional. Moreover, the judge pointed out that documents provided by Zia himself contradicted his claim, showing previous business dealings at the same address where the court notice had been served.
Zia Chishti’s Legal Journey
Zia Chishti, a renowned tech entrepreneur, is well-known for founding the multibillion-dollar companies behind Invisalign dental braces and artificial intelligence firm Afiniti. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by President Mamnoon Hussain in 2018.
In response to the court’s decision, Amir Zia expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “The court decision is surprising and has not taken into account that I was not informed about the filing of this case. I came to know about it through Geo and The News reporter. It was an ex-parte, one-sided decision. I can defend my story in the court. I am challenging it in the High Court.”
This legal battle is not an isolated case for Chishti. The outcome of the lawsuit in Pakistan is expected to have broader legal ramifications. Chishti has been involved in several other defamation cases, including one against the British right-wing newspaper The Telegraph. Between late 2021 and early 2022, The Telegraph published a series of articles echoing allegations made by a former employee of Chishti’s, Tatiana Spottiswoode, during her testimony in front of the US Congress in November 2021.
Ongoing Defamation Lawsuits in the United States
In the United States, Chishti has also filed defamation lawsuits against Spottiswoode and her legal team. In his complaint, Chishti presented text messages that allegedly show that his relationship with Spottiswoode was consensual and based on mutual trust over an extended period. According to Chishti’s legal arguments, these communications undermine the allegations of misconduct brought against him.
Spottiswoode’s defense hinges on the argument that her statements were made before the US Congress, giving her legal immunity from defamation claims. This aspect of the case has attracted significant attention, as it raises important questions regarding the legal protections afforded to those testifying before legislative bodies.
With multiple lawsuits filed across different jurisdictions, the outcome of these cases could set significant legal precedents, especially in defamation law and the handling of reputational damage across borders.
This article was received directly from the reporter.