LAHORE: A judicial magistrate dismissed on Tuesday an application by Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bokhari, seeking recording of her evidence only after the completion of other prosecution witnesses’ evidence, in a case of uploading her fake video on social media.

Magistrate Naeem Wattoo issued a “strict direction” for the minister to appear in person on Wednesday (today).

The suspects, including PTI social media activist Falak Javed and Shaqiue are on judicial remand in this case, while Attique Riaz, Haider Ali and Tufail Ahmad are on bail.

The case, which pertains to a 2024 social media campaign, involving a fake and objectionable video, reached a critical juncture at the last hearing held on Jan 16.

The minister’s counsel argued that due to her engagements in the Punjab government affairs, she was currently unable to appear before the court.

He requested that the complainant’s statement be recorded at the end of the trial’s prosecution phase.

However, the defense lawyers opposed the request, citing the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984. They argued that the complainant, as the star witness, must record her evidence first, so it can later be corroborated by other prosecution witnesses.

In his written order, the magistrate ruled that holding a public office does not constitute a plausible or sufficient ground to bypass settled legal procedures.

He noted that the minister had expressed her inability to appear in the court a a casual and vague manner, without providing specific details or documentary evidence of her official schedule.

“Extending such a privilege solely on the basis of the complainant’s official status would amount to discrimination and would run contrary to the constitutional mandate of equality before law,” the magistrate observed.

He noted that the Lahore High Court has already directed that this trial be concluded within two months.

With time running out, the magistrate warned that if the minister fails to appear on the next hearing date (Jan 21), the court will be constrained to proceed in accordance with law, which may include the issuance of coercive process or warrants to secure her attendance.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026