LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday granted time to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) until September 18 to complete investigation into the fake video targeting Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari.
Chief Justice LHC Aalia Neelum passed the order after hearing arguments on the plea moved by the minister.
During the hearing, the FIA presented a progress report to the court.
The federal government’s lawyer informed the court that five investigation teams were formed, and arrest warrants for Asad Bajwa and other accused were issued. The lawyer also mentioned that bank accounts of the accused are being frozen, and a raid was conducted at Faisalabad Agricultural University.
The federal government’s lawyer further stated that two raids were conducted in Lahore, and teams are working tirelessly, including a raid at KP House.
At this point, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum remarked that according to the report, it seems that the government agencies are trying to shield the accused.
Azma Bukhari’s lawyer mentioned that Falak Javed was present at a rally in Islamabad two days ago, and that she was posting videos on X (formerly Twitter). He added that if the FIA wanted to arrest her, they could have done so there.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum observed that the issue reflected a societal problem. She also remarked that people’s speech often revealed their level of education. The CJ said that they created videos about those they dislike, without verifying if they are true or false, and this had become a tragedy in the society.
The court, however, gave more time to the FIA and adjourned further hearing until Sept 18.
