LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has been summoned by a judicial magistrate to record her evidence in a case involving a fake video of her uploaded on social media. The magistrate rejected the minister’s request to delay her testimony until after other prosecution witnesses had given evidence.
Read More: Fake Video Case: DG FIA to face LHC
Magistrate Naeem Wattoo issued a strict direction for the minister to appear in person on Wednesday (Jan 21). The case involves suspects including PTI social media activist Falak Javed and Shaqiue, who are on judicial remand, while Attique Riaz, Haider Ali, and Tufail Ahmad remain on bail.
The matter relates to a 2024 social media campaign in which a fake and objectionable video of the minister was circulated. At the previous hearing on Jan 16, Bokhari’s counsel argued that her official duties prevented her from attending court and requested her statement be recorded at the end of the prosecution phase.
The defense opposed the request, citing the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984, which mandates that the complainant’s testimony be recorded first to allow other witnesses to corroborate it. The magistrate ruled that holding public office does not exempt anyone from following legal procedures.
In his written order, the magistrate noted that the minister had provided only vague explanations without supporting evidence of her official schedule. He warned that extending such a privilege based solely on status would violate the constitutional principle of equality before the law.
Read More: Azma Bukhari’s fake video case: FIA directed to continue investigation
With the Lahore High Court directing that the trial be concluded within two months, the magistrate emphasized that failure to appear could lead to coercive measures, including the issuance of warrants, to secure her attendance.