LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari says the sitting government is working like an opposition as its all actions are rendered ineffective through judicial orders.

Talking to the media in the Lahore High Court on Thursday, Ms Bokhari said there was a relentless force ensuring ‘justice’ for the PTI while their (her party’s) petitions were delayed due to summer vacations in the courts.

“Are these summer vacations only for the PML-N? I came today to see if the relief meant for the nation’s daughters is also extended to PML-N or it is just for the PTI,” she said, sharing details of her petition against a fake video viral on the internet.

The minister said unfortunately, the double standard in the justice system was evident. She regretted that the government could not enact the defamation law. She said it seemed ‘justice’ was only for one party.

Ms Bokhari said that despite shameful propaganda, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remained committed to public service and strived to provide Punjab’s people with air ambulances, free medicines, laptops, electric bikes, virtual police stations and trying to ensure protection for girls.

COURT HEARING: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition of the information minister and directed her to approach the cybercrime wing of the FIA first.

The chief justice observed that Ms Bokhari’s petition would remain pending in the court.

The minister sought action against the persons involved in sharing her edited images on social media. She alleged that PTI activist Falak Javed Khan edited and spread her images on social media. She said a request was made to the FIA under the Peca (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) to take action against Falak Javed and others, but the agency did not take any action.

The minister argued that she had been defamed on social media and that her constitutional rights had been violated. Her petition asked the court to order the FIA to take action against the respondents and submit a compliance report.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2024