Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Wednesday prayed to a court in Lahore to give decision in her case at the earliest, saying only she knew the pain she was going through, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Speaking during the hearing, she said she did not feel afraid from anybody. “I am an aggrieved party. And I want the case to be decided as early as possible,” she added.
Azma wondered if all this was happening to a minister, then what kind of agony and anguish masses would have been going through. “Many PML-N workers wanted to accompany me to the court today. But I refused to bring them with me,” she said, and added that she wanted justice.
During the hearing, Mian Ali Ishfaq Advocate, counsel for PTI activist Falak Javed, and Rana Zulfiqar Ali Khan, counsel for Azma, had an altercation with each other.
Later, the court summoned Falak Javed.
Judge Naeem Wattoo said that giving respect to women was of extreme importance. “Our decisions speak how we deal with cases like these,” he said.
Addressing the minister, the judge told her that the reason why verdict in the case had been delayed was because she had challenged a court’s verdict. “We have tolerated the criticism,” he said.
Then Falak’s lawyer and Azma had an argumentation with each other.
“Bring my client from the jail. Only then, the hearing will continue,” the lawyer said.
“Don’t act like a dictator. Don’t speak loudly,” Azma retorted.
An exchange of hot words also took place between Azma and Falak, who was brought to the court from the jail.
Azma said she needed not to be lectured by anyone on what should be her statement in the court. “I am myself a lawyer,” the minister said.
Then addressing Falak, she said, “Look at your tone and demeanor. It does not look like that you have come from jail.”
Falak replied she would remain silent when somebody would point fingers at her character. “You don’t have any proof in support of your case. And I have been languishing in jail for the last one year,” PTI activist added.
The judge told both of them to keep quite.
The court recorded the statement of the minister in the presence of the defendant.
Later the court adjourned the case’s hearing until September 12.
Court reserves verdict in Zaman Park police attack case
Also on Wednesday, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore reserved its verdict on the post-arrest bail petition filed by Falak in the case of attacking Islamabad Police personnel outside the Zaman Park residence of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.
Reporters: Shaheen Atiq and Jamaluddin Jamali