The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued bailable arrest warrants for Ali Hassan, the suspect accused of uploading a fake video of Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari, after he failed to appear despite repeated court notices.
The order was passed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum during the hearing of a petition filed by Uzma Bukhari seeking the cancellation of the suspect’s bail. The court expressed displeasure over the suspect’s continued absence, noting that he had not attended 25 consecutive trial court hearings, causing prolonged delays in the proceedings.
During the hearing, advocate Azhar Siddique appeared on behalf of the suspect, while the petitioner’s counsel argued that the accused was deliberately avoiding the trial. “The trial is being stalled because the accused has repeatedly chosen not to appear,” the counsel said, urging the court to cancel his bail.
When questioned about the suspect’s absence, the defence counsel told the bench he could summon his client “immediately” if the court wished. The Chief Justice retorted that the notice had been issued to the suspect, not to his lawyer, expressing frustration at the continued non-compliance.
The court subsequently issued bailable warrants for Ali Hassan and adjourned further proceedings.
