Court rejects minister Azma Bukhari’s plea in viral video case

A court in Lahore on Tuesday rejected the application filed by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari that she be allowed to record her statement in viral video case via a video link, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In her statement, she had said that there were security threats to her; therefore, she could not appear in court.

Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo rejected the application.

Rana Maaroof Advocate represented Falak Javed while on behalf of Azma Bukhari, Ali Bukhari appeared in court.

Later, the court adjourned the case’s hearing until February 17.

Azma had filed a petition against Falak last year, alleging that on July 24 she had shared a doctored video on X, which was later widely circulated and damaged her reputation.

The minister sought legal action against Falak and others, also requesting that her name be placed on the Exit Control List and an FIA inquiry report be submitted.

After the case was filed, Falak went into hiding.

During hearings, the FIA informed the court it had formed a five-member team to arrest Falak, adding that her bank accounts had been frozen and arrest warrants issued.

The minister’s legal team also criticized the FIA’s delay, pointing out that Falak had been seen attending a PTI rally in Islamabad, where she continued to share video clips, but had not been apprehended until now.

Reporter: Shaheen Atiq