Azma’s rejoinder to PPP leaders

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has responded to recent statements by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spokespersons, saying that everyone knows the reason behind the party’s hostility toward Punjab. She said public funds in Punjab are being spent on the welfare of the people and development projects, and this is precisely what appears to be troubling the PPP. Azma Bokhari stated that the government of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has completed only two years in office, yet during this short period it has ensured the equitable distribution of resources and expanded the scope of development from Attock to Rahim Yar Khan and Rawalpindi to Vehari. She said development projects are being implemented across every district of Punjab without discrimination, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the quality of life of the people. She added that those who are envious of Punjab’s progress and prosperity may continue to criticise, but the journey of public service will not stop. The Information Minister remarked that the “Nawabs of Larkana” are unable to accept Punjab’s development, while the reality is that the people of Punjab continue to express their confidence in the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). She said if the PPP ranks as the fourth-largest political party in Punjab, the responsibility lies with its own political performance, not with the PML-N. Azma Bokhari further said that when Murtaza Wahab visited Lahore to learn from Punjab’s governance model, the Punjab Government extended every possible cooperation. She expressed the hope that just as Punjab has witnessed development and prosperity, the people of Sindh would also benefit from better governance and development. Addressing Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she said that as the chairman of a major political party, he should uphold the dignity of his position by avoiding politics based on hatred and division. She further observed that an entire team of spokespersons in Sindh appears to be occupied solely with criticising Punjab, while the performance of the Sindh Government is rarely presented before the public. She claimed that if the Sindh Government’s performance had truly been exemplary, the people of Sindh would not be expressing a desire for leadership like that of Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Azma Bokhari reaffirmed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government will continue to pursue its agenda of public service, transparent governance, and inclusive development with the same commitment and dedication. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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