In a significant development at the Lahore District Courts on Wednesday, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf social media activist Falak Javed engaged in a heated exchange during the hearing of a case involving the alleged distribution of a fake video attributed to the minister.
The case, filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) based on Bukhari’s complaint, was heard by Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo. Bukhari appeared in court and firmly stated that she is the complainant, not an accused in the matter.
She emphasized that the case transcends a typical civil dispute, touching on the dignity and honour of a woman. Bukhari expressed the emotional toll the incident has taken on her, noting the pain she has endured.
Describing the events, Bukhari recounted that on the night of July 24-25, 2024, she discovered posts on Facebook and TikTok alleging the leak of a video involving her. Upon checking her X account, she found a post from Falak Javed’s profile, which contributed to the widespread circulation of the purportedly fake video.
Following this, Bukhari approached the Lahore High Court the next day, where after waiting for about four hours outside the chief justice’s courtroom, her petition was accepted, leading to orders for action against the dissemination of the material.
Tensions escalated during Wednesday’s hearing when Bukhari and Falak Javed exchanged sharp words. Bukhari admonished Falak, reminding her of her responsibilities as a mother and criticizing her demeanor, particularly noting Falak’s recent release from jail and perceived lack of remorse.
She also asserted her legal knowledge, stating, “I am myself a lawyer,” while accusing Falak of dishonesty and inappropriate behavior. Falak responded in kind, prompting the court to step in to maintain order.
At one point, Bukhari objected to Falak’s conduct in court, warning that disruptive behavior would not be tolerated and questioning the hospitality extended to Falak during the proceedings, such as being offered tea and coffee.
Due to security concerns and to avoid direct confrontation with the accused and her supporters, Bukhari requested permission to give her testimony via video link. She expressed a desire to prevent any unpleasant situations by avoiding face-to-face encounters in court.
The minister also raised concerns about the conduct of individuals accompanying Falak, urging the court to limit attendance to relevant persons and restrict the presence of YouTubers and other non-essential observers during future hearings.
Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo underscored the importance of respecting women throughout the proceedings, affirming that the court’s judgments reflect how such sensitive cases are handled. He also dismissed any notion that the court had caused delays, explaining that postponements occurred due to challenges against court orders.
The court scheduled the cross-examination of Azma Bukhari for September 12 and directed that only relevant lawyers attend the next session.
The case originates from a social media campaign in July 2024 involving a fake and objectionable video purportedly featuring Bukhari. Following her complaint, the NCCIA registered a case naming several individuals, including Falak Javed and Muhammad Shafique.
The trial has been ongoing in Lahore district courts, with prosecution witnesses summoned earlier this year. In March, the court instructed the prosecution to present its witnesses for statement recordings.
Bukhari initially sought to provide her testimony via video link, citing security issues and her ministerial duties. However, in February, the judicial magistrate denied this request, requiring her personal appearance. This decision was upheld by a Lahore sessions court in August, which emphasized that video-link testimony is an exception and underscored the accused’s right to cross-examine the complainant in person as vital to a fair trial.
In April 2026, the Lahore High Court granted post-arrest bail to Falak Javed and co-accused Muhammad Shafique, each against surety bonds of Rs1 million. With the case now in the evidence phase, Bukhari has recorded her statement, and the court has set September 12 for her cross-examination.
