Punjab Government on Wednesday issued a legal notice to actor Hamza Ali Abbasi for spreading "false rumours" about the recent wave of child abductions across the province.

Abbasi, in his Facebook post, revealed that he has been served a legal notice by the provincial government.

Hamza Ali Abbasi's Facebook status — screengrab
Hamza Ali Abbasi's Facebook status — screengrab

The notice, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, was served by the provincial government's public prosecution department.

The notice states that the number of missing children quoted by Hamza is incorrect and is "less than one third that you (Hamza) reported".

The notification further claimed Hamza's post "was exaggerated and it created a sense of insecurity in the general public".

"The notice must be served to the news outlets as well. I, as a Pakistani, say that these politicians are as insensitive like animals," said Hamza in Geo News' Capital Talk.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) senior leader Shafqat Mehmood alleged that "Abbasi is subject to such a treatment because he is a PTI supporter. The government cannot arrest or serve legal notices to anyone for their Tweets or Whatsapp messages.

"This incident underscores Nawaz government's misuse of authority."

In the month of Ramazan earlier this year, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) barred Abbasi from hosting his Ramazan shows on Aaj TV respectively after complainants received said the show had aired provocative content.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.