JI issues Rs1bn defamation notice to former FBR chairman Shabbar Zaidi over allegations of receiving money to suppress protests.

Jamaat‑i‑Islami (JI) issued a formal legal notice on July 27 demanding Rs1 billion in damages from former Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman Shabbar Zaidi. The notice was sent through Advocate Tahir Iqbal Malik on the directive of JI’s Karachi General Secretary, Taufiquddin Siddiqui. When Dawn asked for a comment, Zaidi said he had forwarded the notice to his lawyer for advice. ZI's statement claims Zaidi made serious allegations during a podcast interview and on various social‑media platforms. He accused the party of being an “establishment’s firewall” that dilutes public protests. The notice lists accusations of secret funding, bribery, corruption, political deception, betrayal of public interests, and alleged collusion with state elements. JI demands that Zaidi supply complete evidence, including the identity of the payer and payee, the amount, the date, time and place of the payment, the method, relevant bank accounts or documents, details of the protest, witnesses, recordings, and the source of the allegation.