LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Judicial Magistrate of District Court Lahore, Naeem Watto has indicted Falak Javed, Atiq Riaz, and others in the fake video case involving Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari.
During the court proceedings, all six accused were presented before the magistrate. The charges were read out in open court from the challan submitted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). However, the accused denied committing the alleged offenses. Following their plea, the court formally indicted them, initiating the next phase of the legal process.
The case involves allegations that the accused deliberately circulated a fake video of the provincial minister, causing reputational harm. The court also summoned the witnesses for the next hearing to provide testimony and evidence in the matter.
Lawyers representing the complainant emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable under cybercrime laws and protecting the privacy and dignity of public figures. The NCCIA’s challan provides the detailed findings of the investigation, which will be considered during the upcoming proceedings.
The Punjab minister had sought action last year in July against the persons involved in sharing her edited images on social media. She alleged that Falak edited and spread her images on social media.
The minister said a request was made to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under the Peca (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) to take action against Falak and others, but the agency did not take any action.
The minister argued that she had been defamed on social media and that her constitutional rights had been violated.
In her petition, she asked the court to order the FIA to take action against the respondents and submit a compliance report.