Zardari serves Rs1 billion legal notice to Sadrudin Hashwani

Mateen Haider Sadruddin Hashwani, chairman of the Hashoo Group. — AFP/File ISLAMABAD: Former President Asif Ali Zardari served a legal notice of Rs1 billion to chairman of Hashoo Group, Sadrudin Hashwani on his book “The Truth Always Prevails”, claiming that it was aimed at tarnishing his image and that of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The legal notice drafted by Senator Farooq H. Naek, senior advocate Supreme Court, was served to the author along with the publishers. The book was published by the Penguin Books in Haryana (India) and was being distributed under the banner of Liberty Books in Pakistan. Sadrudin Hashwani, known as one of the country's biggest tycoon, is the owner of Marriott Hotel which suffered a terrorist attack in 2008. More than 60 people had lost their lives after a suicide truck bomber rammed 600 kilograms of high explosives into the hotel's outer gates. Naek said “the book was aimed at damaging the former president’s reputation by negating all his contributions to the state and society of Pakistan”. “Zardari believed in freedom of speech as guaranteed in Article 19 of the Constitution,” the notice said, adding that the statements made in the book were not properly investigated and were not made in the spirit of freedom of expression. “The PPP co-chairman was entitled to Rs500 million in damages for loss of reputation and another Rs500 million for mental agony and torture,” the notice said, asking the author and publishers to immediately withdraw the book from stores. Moreover, Naek said if the demands were not complied with within 14 days, then the former president would be entitled to seek further monetary damages and equitable relief. “In the event that you fail to meet this demand, please be advised that our client has asked us to communicate to you that he will pursue all available legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages to initiate criminal proceedings under the law,” said the notice.