LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought a report from the Punjab chief secretary (CS) on a petition by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) against a 60-page advertisement supplement published in the press featuring Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition filed by Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Ahmed Khan Bhachar.

The petitioner’s lawyer, Abuzar Salman Niazi, presented his arguments, saying that on Feb 26, a 60-page advertisement was published in all newspapers using public funds, promoting the chief minister. He argued that public money could not be used for personal publicity and glorification.

He asked the court to halt all government-funded promotional campaigns for the CM.

A law officer of the Punjab government objected to the maintainability of the petition, saying derogatory language had been used by the petitioner.

However, the judge directed the law officer to address all objections and concerns in the written reply of the government.

The judge adjourned the hearing for a week.

Speaking to the media persons, Mr Bhachar criticised the PML-N government, alleging that self-promotion was their old habit. He accused Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of prioritising photo shoots over addressing critical issues like shortage of medicines at the Mayo Hospital.

Referring to the arrest of PTI Senator Aon Abbas, he said the government was engaged in political victimisation. He also accused the government of misleading the public through social media.

Talking about a recent visit to Adiala Jail, Bhachar said despite assurances from the jail’s superintendent in court, the party leaders were denied a meeting with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan. He claimed that the government was afraid of the man sitting inside jail.

Hinting at major political developments after Eid, he announced that a grand opposition alliance was in the making.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2025