Naqvi seeks Rs20 crore damages from Geo News journalist over PIMS coverage

The legal notice, issued through Arhum, Kumail & Uzair (AKU Law), alleges that the journalist made statements that were false, disparaging and defamatory and sought to directly associate the

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has served a Rs20 crore defamation notice on senior journalist Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai over remarks allegedly made during a live Geo News broadcast concerning the incident at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on August 26.

The legal notice, issued through Arhum, Kumail & Uzair (AKU Law), alleges that the journalist made statements that were false, disparaging and defamatory and sought to directly associate the minister with responsibility for the incident before completion of any official inquiry.

According to the notice, Naqvi was deeply distressed by the loss of lives but objected to what his legal representatives described as premature attribution of responsibility during live television coverage. The counsel maintained that determining the cause of the incident and fixing responsibility were matters for a formal investigation rather than media speculation.

The notice reportedly states that the broadcast created a misleading and prejudicial impression about the minister and could adversely affect his reputation and standing. It stresses that reporting on a tragedy of such magnitude requires accuracy, restraint and sensitivity, particularly while investigations into the incident are still underway.

The legal notice was dated August 26, 2026, and was also sent electronically to Yousafzai at his Rawalpindi address.

The matter has brought renewed attention to the delicate balance between media freedom, responsible journalism and the protection of reputation, particularly when allegations are aired during developing news events.

Naqvi’s legal team has sought damages amounting to Rs20 crore, signalling the minister’s intention to pursue the matter through legal channels over the alleged statements.

The dispute follows the August 26 incident at PIMS, where authorities initiated inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The minister’s counsel has maintained that any determination regarding cause or responsibility should come only after the relevant investigation reaches its findings.

The notice is expected to draw further attention from media organisations and journalist bodies as the dispute moves forward.