March 12, 2025
Lahore High Court has sought a response from Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General Public Relations (DGPR) within two weeks regarding a petition challenging the use of public funds to promote Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif.
Justice Farooq Haider of the Lahore High Court heard the petition filed by citizen Ashba Kamran, who argued that CM Maryam Nawaz misused public funds for personal and political promotion, including that of her father. The petitioner referred to a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the use of politicians’ names and images on government-funded projects.
The petitioner requested the court to:
- Disclose the total expenditure incurred on promoting Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif.
- Remove their names and images from all publicly funded projects.
- Declare the use of Punjab’s funds for Nawaz Sharif’s promotion as illegal.
Following these arguments, the court has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and DG Public Relations to submit their responses within two weeks. The petition names Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif, and other officials as respondents.
Notably, the Punjab government recently launched an extensive media campaign highlighting its one-year performance, which included large newspaper advertisements and a 60-page supplement. Social media users strongly criticized newspapers for publishing full-page government advertisements.
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Which Advertising Agencies Are Involved?
The court has also asked for details about the advertising agencies responsible for executing these promotional campaigns. Sources suggest that several leading ad agencies were contracted for media placements across print, digital, and electronic platforms. The names of these agencies, along with the payment details, are expected to be revealed in the government’s response.
Previously, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also raised concerns over the Punjab government’s advertising expenses and demanded a detailed breakdown of the campaign’s costs. PTI Chief Organizer Aliya Hamza had formally written to CM Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Chief Secretary, and others, seeking transparency regarding the campaign’s funding.
With the LHC stepping in, the Punjab government is now under pressure to justify its spending on political promotions using taxpayer money. The court’s next hearing is expected to bring further clarity on whether these expenditures were legal or a misuse of public funds.
