Peshawar, June 13, 2025 – Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra has filed a Rs1 billion defamation lawsuit against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Sher Afzal Marwat in Peshawar’s Session Court.
The legal action stems from what Jhagra describes as baseless and defamatory allegations made by Marwat during a talk show on a private TV channel.
Details of the Case
Jhagra, represented by advocate Ali Gohar Durrani, accuses Marwat of leveling false claims that damaged his reputation and character. The allegations include:
- Pension Fund Embezzlement: Marwat claimed Jhagra was involved in a Rs36 billion pension fund scam.
- Property Allegations: Marwat alleged Jhagra owns a five-kanal house in Hayatabad, Peshawar.
- Character Assassination: Jhagra’s lawsuit states Marwat’s accusations were fabricated, malicious, and aimed at tarnishing his reputation and breaching his privilege.
According to the lawsuit, Jhagra sent a legal notice to Marwat demanding a written apology for the “baseless, fabricated, and reckless” allegations. Marwat failed to respond, prompting Jhagra to escalate the matter to court. The lawsuit demands Rs1 billion in damages for defamation and character assassination and seeks an unconditional written apology from Marwat.
Taimur Saleem Jhagra’s Statement
Addressing the media, Jhagra reiterated the falsehood of Marwat’s claims. “Sher Afzal Marwat accused me of owning a five-marla house in Hayatabad. If such a property exists, I will donate it to the people of Lakki Marwat,” Jhagra declared. He also refuted the pension fund corruption allegations, questioning why other provinces are adopting similar pension models if the system was corrupt.
Jhagra added that he responded transparently to a questionnaire from the Accountability Committee and shared his answers publicly. He challenged the Anti-Corruption Establishment’s inaction last year if the allegations held merit. “Marwat was sent a legal notice, and similar letters will be sent to the relevant committee,” Jhagra added.
Jhagra also commented on PTI’s internal dynamics and the federal government’s policies. He urged PTI members to follow the directives of the party’s founder, Imran Khan, and cautioned against escalating internal party disputes. “Some people want to amplify differences within PTI, but I don’t want to add fuel to the fire,” he said.
Criticizing the federal government, Taimur Saleem Jhagra questioned the legality of restricting access to Imran Khan. “If the federal government doesn’t respect the law, this is jungle rule,” he remarked. He also slammed the 2025 federal budget, calling it a “number game” designed to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.
Federal Budget Critique
Jhagra raised concerns about the budget’s economic claims, noting a 2.5% growth rate despite declines in agriculture and large-scale industries. “How is the economy growing when key sectors are shrinking?” he asked. He criticized tax impositions on 800cc cars, hybrid vehicles, and solar panels, questioning the government’s “green budget” narrative.
He also highlighted contradictions in government spending, such as salary hikes for the Speaker and Senate Chairman, which even Federal Minister Khawaja Asif called “shameful.” Jhagra further questioned military allowances, suggesting the government clarify if they were linked to a “victory over India” rather than fostering ambiguity.
Jhagra accused the government of manipulating voter data, stating, “A government that can turn thousands of votes into millions can tamper with the budget too.” He described the budget as riddled with confusion and lacking coherence, serving only to appease the IMF.
The defamation lawsuit adds to the growing tensions within PTI and between the party and the federal government. As Jhagra pursues legal recourse against Marwat, the case underscores broader issues of accountability, political rhetoric, and governance in Pakistan.
