Azma criticises KP CM Afridi

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that serious incidents of terrorism are taking place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but the KP Chief Minister’s attention remains focused on political activities instead of law and order. She said it was highly regrettable that no provincial government official attended the funeral prayers of the victims of the terrorist incident in Kohat. Azma Bokhari said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was far away, which might be why news from there sometimes arrived late, but terrorist incidents were taking place in plain sight. She said the Chief Minister should focus on maintaining law and order and strengthen institutions such as the Counter Terrorism Department. The Punjab Information Minister said that “Afridi Sahib” was travelling across Pakistan, but his performance remained zero. She said that when NAB identified billions of rupees in financial irregularities, everyone fell silent. She said the entire focus appeared to be on securing the release of a major corruption accused. “If an accused is to be released, the courts should be approached, ” she added. Azma Bokhari said that a political party had always pursued politics of disorder and was once again attempting to create chaos in the country. She questioned whether preparations to march on the capital could genuinely be described as preparations for peaceful protest. “Sticks fitted with nails in the hands of children do not look appropriate. The state knows how to deal with miscreants, ” she said. The provincial minister said Punjab was leading in every sector. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz was taking practical steps for the people, while various projects were being implemented to provide relief to the public. Azma Bokhari said petroleum products were expensive and beyond the reach of many people, therefore, more and more citizens should shift towards public transport. Electric buses were being provided across Punjab without discrimination, while free travel facilities had also been provided to women, senior citizens and students, she added. The provincial minister said the Punjab government had also achieved effective control over smog and was taking practical measures for farmers. She said 10, 000 super seeders had already been provided to farmers. Azma Bokhari said a cancer hospital had been established in Multan where all patients would receive treatment without discrimination. She said people who previously travelled to Lahore from their respective areas for cancer treatment would now have access to modern medical facilities closer to their homes. She said modern machinery was being introduced in hospitals and no poor patient could be denied treatment at any government hospital. The Punjab government was taking practical measures to provide healthcare, transport facilities and other basic services to the people. The Punjab Information Minister said there were some individuals and a political party that appeared to have no fear of God and were more concerned with disorder and political confrontation than public issues. She said the Punjab government’s focus was on serving the people and developing the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Read full story on Business Recorder