A Pakistani court has directed former minister Murad Saeed to pay Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal Rs2.5 million (approximately $8,700) in a defamation suit. Iqbal filed the suit after Saeed publicly accused him of corruption related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The court deemed Saeed’s allegations unsubstantiated and damaging to Iqbal’s reputation. Saeed, a prominent figure from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, made the accusations during a press conference in 2022. The ruling highlights the increasing use of defamation laws in Pakistani politics. This case underscores the legal consequences for making unsubstantiated claims against political opponents. It is anticipated Saeed may appeal the court’s decision.