On September 19, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari was granted a one-time exemption from personal appearance, by a judicial magistrate, in a case concerning the circulation of a fake video about her.

During the hearing, Bokhari’s counsel, Advocate Ali Zahid Bokhari, said that his client had sought permission from the Lahore High Court to record her cross-examination online, citing security concerns. He also accused the opposing counsel of pressuring the court during the previous hearing by seeking an arrest warrant against Bokhari and said that fell under contempt of court and action should be taken.

Counsel for PTI activist Falak Javed, Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, opposed the request, arguing that Bokhari had also failed to appear at the previous cross-examination hearing. He maintained that failure to appear after a court summons could warrant an arrest order and alleged that the contempt application was intended to delay proceedings.

Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo allowed the one-time exemption and directed Bokhari’s counsel to consult her regarding a possible resolution of the contempt issue.

The case will be heard again on September 30.