The Pakistani actress and model whose 'nude' photoshoot with FHM India is at the centre of an international controversy, Veena Malik, said it was not a publicity stunt.

Veena appeared on the cover of the Indian edition of FHM magazine apparently adorned with nothing but a tattoo that reads ISI – the initials of the military's feared spy agency.

She claims the magazine airbrushed out the thong she was wearing. But her appearance has led to accusations that she has betrayed her country; her father has disowned her, and she has received death threats, in a country where Islamist extremists are a genuine danger, with one Islamic cleric calling them a "shame for all Muslims".

She is now suing the popular men's magazine, accusing it of publishing photos she says were doctored to make her appear nude.

Veena said rumours have also been spreading in the media, calling it a PR stunt and that she was deeply hurt by the accusations.

She said: “I understand that I have been linked to many controversies in the past relating to my career.

“But all I’m trying to do is make a name for myself as a woman in the entertainment industry. I am not doing anything different to anyone else and sadly in this instance I feel like I have been used by a publication just so they can sell more copies

“Why would I spend thousands of pounds on lawyers and legal fees if I didn’t feel like there was a case. I simply want justice for what has happened.”

Veena is looking to put this issue behind her and focus on the progression of her career.

She is currently busy shooting for songs for some forthcoming Bollywood films. She will no longer be making any further comments about the incident and has full faith in the Indian legal system to ensure justice will be served.

Her UK publicist Nisha Sahdev, of Sahdev Media, said: “These are Veena’s final press comments on the FHM matter. We urge press and media to let the matter be and let the judicial services make their decision before any further comments can be issued.”