Meta Description: The Urdu-language channel 92 News ceases operations in the UK after a defamation lawsuit filed by Maryam Nawaz. The case revolved around false allegations made by the channel, leading to significant legal repercussions.
The End of 92 News in the UK: A Legal and Financial Decision
The Urdu-language television channel 92 News has officially ceased its operations in the United Kingdom as of July 31, 2024. This decision follows a defamation lawsuit filed by Maryam Nawaz, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Chief Minister of Punjab. The lawsuit was initiated after 92 News aired a program that falsely accused Maryam of misappropriating gifts from Toshakhana, a repository for gifts received by government officials.
The allegations, broadcast on November 17, 2022, during the show “Muqabil” hosted by anchors Amir Mateen and Sarwat Valim, claimed that Maryam had acquired a luxury watch worth a million for a fraction of its value with the help of bureaucrats. These claims were proven baseless, as Maryam’s legal team, led by Stone White Solicitors, demonstrated that she had never received such a gift. The accusations not only damaged Maryam’s reputation but also prompted a legal battle that culminated in the channel’s decision to shut down its UK operations.
The Legal Battle and Its Implications
92 News faced a difficult legal situation in the UK High Court, where it became evident that the channel had no substantial defense against the defamation claims. The channel had previously apologized to other PML-N members, including Senator Ishaq Dar and UK chapter vice president Nasir Mahmood, in similar defamation cases. The case against Maryam Nawaz, however, carried more significant consequences, potentially costing the channel over £250,000 in legal fees and damages.
The lawsuit arose in the context of a broader scandal involving the misappropriation of Toshakhana gifts by various Pakistani political figures. The Lahore High Court had ordered the release of records detailing the gifts received by state officials since 2002. The publicized list included items kept by former prime ministers and presidents, such as luxury watches, cars, and jewelry. However, Maryam Nawaz was not among the individuals who had taken gifts under dubious circumstances.
The channel’s decision to wind up its UK operations and liquidate its assets was a direct result of the anticipated outcome of the trial. By discontinuing its services, 92 News aimed to avoid the financial burden of a court-ordered penalty and further reputational damage.
The Impact on Pakistani News Media in the UK
The closure of 92 News marks a significant shift in the landscape of Pakistani news media in the UK. The channel had launched its UK operations in 2017, quickly gaining a loyal audience despite fierce competition from other Pakistani news outlets. The termination of its broadcasting license on Sky channel 740 not only reduces the availability of Urdu-language news in the UK but also reflects the challenges faced by foreign news channels in maintaining operations abroad, particularly in the wake of legal and financial hurdles.
This shutdown follows the recent closure of another Pakistani news channel, Dunya News, which also faced declining advertising revenue and rising transmission costs. The changing dynamics of the media industry, coupled with increased regulatory scrutiny and legal accountability, present formidable challenges for broadcasters aiming to serve diaspora communities.
The Role of Defamation Lawsuits in Media Accountability
The lawsuit filed by Maryam Nawaz underscores the importance of media accountability, especially in the context of high-profile figures and public allegations. Defamation laws serve as a crucial mechanism for protecting individuals’ reputations from unfounded accusations. In this case, the UK legal system provided a platform for Maryam Nawaz to challenge the false allegations made against her and seek redress.
Maryam’s legal team argued that the broadcast had caused significant harm to her reputation, warranting both an apology and damages. The case set a precedent for media outlets, highlighting the need for accurate reporting and the potential consequences of disseminating false information.
FAQs
1. Why did 92 News shut down in the UK?
92 News ceased its operations in the UK due to a defamation lawsuit filed by Maryam Nawaz. The channel was advised by its lawyers that it would likely lose the case, leading to substantial legal costs and damages.
2. What were the allegations made by 92 News against Maryam Nawaz?
The channel falsely accused Maryam Nawaz of taking expensive Toshakhana gifts at a significantly reduced cost through corrupt means. These allegations were proven untrue.
3. What is the Toshakhana, and why is it significant?
Toshakhana is a government department where gifts received by public officials are deposited. The significance lies in ensuring transparency and preventing the misuse of gifts received in official capacities.
4. What was the outcome of the defamation case against 92 News?
While the final judgment was not reached due to the channel’s shutdown, 92 News acknowledged that it had no defense for the allegations, leading to its decision to discontinue UK operations to avoid legal repercussions.
5. How has this case affected the Pakistani news media landscape in the UK?
The closure of 92 News, alongside other channels like Dunya News, reflects the challenges faced by foreign news broadcasters in maintaining operations in the UK, particularly under financial and legal pressures.
Conclusion
The shutdown of 92 News in the UK following a defamation lawsuit by Maryam Nawaz serves as a significant event in the realm of media and law. It highlights the crucial role of accurate journalism and the legal frameworks in place to protect individuals from false allegations. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the case of 92 News stands as a reminder of the responsibilities held by broadcasters and the potential consequences of not adhering to ethical reporting standards. This development not only impacts the availability of Urdu-language news in the UK but also sets a precedent for media accountability and legal recourse in the face of defamation.
