Mian Mansha settles ARY libel claim

Prominent Pakistani businessman and chairman of the Nishat Group Mian Mohammad Mansha has settled his libel claim against ARY Network Limited.

In November 2015, on the ‘Kab Tak’ programme, ARY broadcast various allegations against Mr Mansha, including accusing him of money laundering in relation to the acquisition of the St James’s Hotel and Club in Mayfair, over which Mr Mansha brought libel proceedings. Mr Mansha stated that the allegations were “baseless, devoid of any merit and foundation.”

The claim has now settled with ARY agreeing to pay £75,000 in damages and £200,000 in costs. It had previously been ordered to pay Pakistani media group chairman Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman libel damages of £185,000, following a trial before Sir David Eady in November 2016.

In a statement, Carter-Ruck, Mr Mansha’s solicitors,  said “The settlement is a total vindication of Mr. Mansha’s position. Des­pite many re­­quests, at no time, did ARY Network Ltd provide any evidence whatsoever in support of any of the allegations.”

5RB‘s Richard Munden, instructed by Carter-Ruck, acted for the Claimant.

See also:

• False money laundering charge against Mansha costs ARY £275,000 –  Pakistan Today
• ARY agrees to pay £275,000 to Mian Mansha in settlement of a libel case in England – Daily Times