Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has achieved a significant legal triumph in the United Kingdom after a private Pakistani television channel formally apologized to her before the London High Court in a high-profile defamation lawsuit involving allegations tied to the Toshakhana scandal.
The case revolved around a talk show aired on November 17, 2022, on a channel operating under the name Galaxy Broadcasting Network UK. During the program, the host and guests alleged that Maryam Nawaz had illicitly acquired an expensive wristwatch from Pakistan’s Toshakhana — the official repository where government dignitaries are required to deposit state gifts. The accusation claimed she worked with bureaucrats in a corrupt arrangement to obtain a watch valued at Rs 1 million, buying it for only Rs 45,000.
Terming these allegations completely false, malicious, and defamatory, Maryam Nawaz filed a legal complaint in the UK. Her lawyers argued that the televised claims were intentionally crafted to damage her reputation as a leading political figure and public officeholder.
During proceedings, representatives of the channel retracted all accusations, admitting there was no factual basis for the claims aired in the broadcast. In open court, the channel issued an unconditional apology to Maryam Nawaz. It also agreed to remove the offensive content from all digital platforms and not repeat the allegations in the future.
Legal experts note that the apology in the UK High Court — known globally for its strict defamation standards — substantially strengthens Maryam Nawaz’s long-held stance that allegations made by political rivals are part of a targeted smear campaign rather than evidence-based criticism.
