Lahore High Court Demands FIA Report on Social Media Defamation Case
- Lahore High Court requires a report from the FIA on a social media defamation case by August 5.
- Punjab Minister Azma Bukhari seeks action against those sharing edited images and videos of her online.
- The court questioned FIA’s handling of social media regulations and agreements.
The Lahore High Court has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit a detailed report by August 5 regarding a petition filed by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari. The petition demands action against individuals who have shared doctored images and videos of Bukhari on social media. During the hearing, the court also requested information on the rules governing social media platforms.
The case, heard by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, saw FIA Director of Cybercrime Syed Hashmat Kamal and other officers in attendance. Bukhari’s lawyer informed the court that a new edited video had surfaced, which had been submitted to the FIA. When questioned about the legality of social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the director mentioned an agreement with the government that had yet to be finalized, prompting the court to express dissatisfaction.
The Chief Justice emphasized the need for clarity on the legal framework for such platforms, questioning whether it was standard practice to operate without a formal agreement. The FIA director indicated that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority regulates these matters.
The case will resume on August 5, with Bukhari seeking legal action against those she claims have defamed her online and violated her rights. She specifically accused PTI activist Falak Javed Khan of spreading the edited video.