The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the Punjab government in response to a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The PTI alleges that the provincial administration misused public funds by publishing a 60-page newspaper supplement on February 26, 2025, showcasing the government’s performance during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s first year in office.
The supplement reportedly featured 301 photographs of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and 28 of her father, Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N president. The PTI contends that this extensive coverage amounts to a “publicity stunt” benefiting the Sharif family and constitutes a misuse of taxpayer money.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has defended the publication, dismissing PTI’s criticism as “propaganda.”
The court has directed the Punjab government, its information department, and the Public Relations Directorate General to respond to the allegations. The PTI seeks a declaration that the supplement is unconstitutional and demands reimbursement of the public funds used for its production from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally.
