A sessions court upheld a lower court’s ruling requiring Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari to appear in person to record her statement in a cybercrime case. The court dismissed her revision petition seeking permission to testify via video link.

The case, registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Lahore, concerns an alleged fake video of Bokhari reportedly uploaded by PTI social media activists Falak Javed and Muhammad Shafiq, who are currently in police custody.

Additional District & Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui Malik clarified that video testimony is an exception and not a right, citing the importance of in-person cross-examination for a fair trial.

The judge noted that Bokhari had failed to provide substantial evidence, such as a police report or security assessment, to justify her inability to attend court due to safety concerns.

The court directed Bokhari to appear at the next hearing but allowed her to seek additional security arrangements if required.