Junaid-Shanzay wedding: Punjab govt denies Rs. 4 rore ‘Makeup Grant’ for ministers

WEB DESK: A purported government notification claiming that the Punjab administration had approved a Rs. 4 crore grant for personal grooming and presentation expenses of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari went viral on social media on Tuesday.

The document alleged that the funds were specifically earmarked for the ministers’ personal makeup and appearance, triggering widespread criticism and confusion among citizens.

Government Rejects Claim as Forged

The Punjab Information Department swiftly issued an official statement denying the authenticity of the notification. Officials clarified that no such summary was ever proposed or approved, adding that the viral document did not conform to the government’s official format, stamp, or record-keeping practices. They described the notification as digitally manipulated and called the circulation of such content a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

Ministers condemn misinformation

Information Minister Azma Bokhari condemned the fake notification, labeling it a “shameful effort” to tarnish the government’s image. She confirmed that legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible for creating and disseminating the document. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb echoed her statements, emphasizing that propaganda campaigns would not divert the government from its governance and reform objectives.

Cybercrime Experts Flag Digital Tampering

Those monitoring cybercrime noted multiple signs of digital manipulation in the viral image, including inconsistent fonts, irregular spacing, and formatting anomalies. Such inconsistencies are often linked to AI-assisted editing, a method increasingly employed in political misinformation campaigns in Pakistan. Officials urged the public to rely solely on verified government communications to prevent the spread of false information.

The Punjab government’s clarification comes amid growing concerns over fake news targeting women in politics, highlighting the need for cautious verification before sharing sensitive or controversial claims online.