Latest news with #Azma
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Crush insurgents for Balochistan peace: Azma
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Saturday urged that the insurgency in Balochistan be curbed to ensure peace and prosperity. Expressing solidarity with the families of the nine passengers killed in Loralai, Balochistan on Thursday, she emphasised the urgent need to crush violent elements. She berated "so-called human rights champions", adding they raise their voices for every oppressed group, "but when Punjabis are being killed, everyone turns a blind eye". Speaking at a news conference at DGPR, she labelled PTI as merely a "champion of chaos," and claimed that the party was planning to misuse public funds to support their movement. In an obvious reference to PTI founder Imran Khan, Azma said, "He built one hospital on his mother's name, but neither constructed any new hospitals nor improved existing ones". She clarified that the health card scheme is still operational in private hospitals while over 9.3 million citizens have benefited from field hospitals. She announced to reconstruct Lady Willingdon Hospital on international standards to better serve mothers and children. Azma praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's special focus on the healthcare sector, saying, "Health is Maryam Nawaz's first and foremost priority". Projects such as Nawaz Sharif Cardiac Hospital in Sargodha, Cancer Hospitals, and Field Hospitals reflect the government's commitment. She also noted that free medicines are now being provided in public hospitals. Commenting on the sewerage issues in rain-affected areas, Azma said, "It's not possible to install sewerage lines in every street, but the administration remains highly active". Condemning threats to MPAs, she stated, "PTI only knows how to do protest politics. We didn't respond to such threats in the past, and we won't do it now either". The minister also shared that a housing project with 50,000 units was being launched to provide shelter to every citizen. She pointed out that those targeting Punjabis in Balochistan were aiming to destabilise the country. The state must deal with them with an iron hand — without this, the dream of peace and prosperity will remain unfulfilled.
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Azma accuses PTI of misusing public funds
LAHORE: Labelling the PTI as merely a 'champion of chaos,' Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claimed that preparations are complete to misuse public funds to support their movement. While expressing solidarity with the families of martyrs, she said that the extremist insurgents in Balochistan must be eradicated, as peace and prosperity are impossible without their elimination. She emphasised the urgent need to crush violent elements. She criticised so-called human rights champions, saying they raise their voices for every oppressed group, 'but when Punjabis are being killed, everyone turns a blind eye.' Azma stressed that those targeting Punjabis in Balochistan are aiming to destabilise the country. The state must deal with them with an iron hand; without this, the dream of peace and prosperity will remain unfulfilled, she said. Speaking at a press conference at DGPR, Azma Bokhari took a jab at a prominent political figure; referring to him as a 'Mahatma'—stating, 'He built one hospital in his mother's name, but neither constructed any new hospitals nor improved existing ones.' Responding to a query, she clarified that the Health Card Scheme is still operational in private hospitals and over 9.3 million citizens have benefited from field hospitals. Sharing uplifting news for the people of Lahore, she announced that the Lady Willingdon Hospital is being completely reconstructed and expanded to meet international standards to better serve mothers and children. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Sudhra Punjab' programme launched: IK's sons will not be allowed to create unrest: Azma
LAHORE: Without naming anybody, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has warned that instigators will not be allowed to use children to spread unrest. Azma remarked that Jemima has reportedly barred her sons from visiting Pakistan, but a daughter has every right to meet her father. While addressing at a news conference, here on Thursday, Azma also criticised some YouTubers for promoting an anti-state narrative through vlogs, emphasising that such content harms the country and encourages extremism. Announcing the launch of the 'Sudhra Punjab' programme following the success of the 'Suthra Punjab' campaign, she said this initiative aims to eradicate crime from the province. Highlighting the performance of the Crime Control Department (CCD), she stated that its efforts have become the centre of attention across social media. Within days, 1,509 wanted criminals were apprehended and 600 missing children were recovered. Crime rates in Lahore have dropped by 68%, and districts like Chakwal, Bhalwal, and Gujrat have reported zero robbery incidents, she claimed. She explained that CCD is modelled after the US FBI and functions as a provincial agency handling major crimes and complex investigations with an effective strategy. She emphasised the chief minister's clear instructions: no criminal should block the roads of Punjab. All highways have been cleared, and many criminals are now begging for forgiveness on video, swearing on the Quran, she said. 'Those who once roamed as thugs are now seen on camera, apologising,' she remarked. She issued a warning to Kacha area dacoits, stating that the Punjab Police now have modern weapons and strategic capacity. 'They should be concerned for their safety,' she added. Azma also praised the Punjab government's exemplary and well-coordinated arrangements during Muharram. She said that despite the sensitive global environment, Ashura passed peacefully thanks to a strong strategy, the guidance of religious scholars, and public cooperation. She noted that the atmosphere of religious harmony was commendable, and the nomination of the Chief Minister for an award by scholars is proof of that success. About recent audit reports, she said that propaganda is being spread about a specific report, which contains 12 questionable paragraphs related to the 2021–2023 period. These involve placing public funds in commercial banks and loans secured against wheat stocks, all of which are tied to the eras of Buzdar, Pervaiz Elahi, and others. These matters have already been transparently resolved under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, she said. She further announced the provision of transport in all government schools of Punjab. Over 60,000 new jobs have been created in the School Education Department, and more than 90% attendance has been recorded in outsourced schools. Teacher numbers have increased by 114%. Under the 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' initiative, she said, loans for 50,000 houses have already been issued. The KP government has now adopted this model. Punjab allocated Rs 50 billion for the Ehsaas Ghar Program, while KP allocated only Rs. 4 billion. The launch of the Haari Card following the Kisan Card in Sindh was also appreciated. Speaking about monsoon preparedness, she said that both district and provincial administrations are fully active. Dozens of water tanks have been installed across Lahore, and drainage work is ongoing. She stressed that every step taken by the Punjab government is for transparency, the rule of law, and public service. 'There is no space for gangsters or pseudo-intellectuals in the vision of a 'Sudhra Punjab,' she asserted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Kohistan scandal unveils massive corruption in KP: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has termed the Rs. 40 billion 'Kohistan corruption scandal' a disgrace for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. 'This scandal has unmasked the true face of the so-called 'Change' movement which falsely claimed the titles of honesty and integrity but has now been exposed as certified corruption,' Azma said in a statement on Friday. She stated that the people's money in KP is being wasted on fugitives and absconders, while the corrupt earnings are being distributed among cronies. 'This is exactly what happens when you assign a cat to guard the milk,' she added sarcastically. Azma Bokhari further remarked that the severity of this scandal can be gauged by the fact that even a convict imprisoned in the £190 million case appears to be disturbed by this level of corruption — truly a divine irony. She added that for the past 12 years, KP has been plagued by systematic looting, corruption, and embezzlement. The people remain deprived of basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the provincial government's sympathies lie not with the people, but with a jailed convict currently held in Adiala prison, she added. Azma demanded a transparent investigation into the Kohistan corruption scandal and urged the authorities to disclose to the public how and where their money was spent. Expressing deep sorrow over the recent tragedy in Swat, Bokhari said that 13 tourists from the same family drowned due to the failure of the KP government's rescue system. She stated that the victims cried out for help for nearly two hours, but no rescue team arrived. 'It is shocking that neither the KP government responded nor did Minister Gandapur's helicopter show up for relief,' she said. Bokhari criticized the KP administration, saying its rescue equipment, resources, and personnel appear to be used only for political attacks against the federal government and Punjab, rather than for saving lives. She demanded a full investigation into the Swat incident and called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of tourists in KP. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Comprehensive security plan finalised for Muharram: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has confirmed that Rangers and army personnel have been called in to support security during Muharram. 'Several sleeper cells have already been detained by security agencies, and surveillance of other threats is ongoing,' she said, while talking to media, here on Thursday. On the directives of chief minister Punjab, all necessary preparations to maintain law and order during Muharram have been completed across the province, Azma said. 'In the light of the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions, this year's Muharram holds special significance. Therefore, religious scholars from all schools of thought have been urged to promote messages of peace, tolerance and unity.' Azma Bokhari shared that over 38,000 Majalis and more than 9,000 processions are expected across Punjab. To secure these events, over 238,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed, along with 35,000 volunteers. Specialized units including Dolphin Force and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) will also remain active, she added. She maintained that a strict Code of Conduct has been issued and will be strictly enforced. Any hate content on social media will be dealt with immediately, and the cyber security force is fully mobilized in this regard. Azma Bokhari emphasised that there will be a complete ban on the use of drones for coverage or any other purposes during Muharram. Anti-drone systems will be deployed, and additional systems are being hired from other agencies. She also said that hanging electric wires are being urgently repaired and there will be no power outages during Majalis. Control rooms have been established in all major cities and are now operational. Wall chalking and hate banners will be completely banned. In 18 cities across Punjab, she said, Safe City cameras will monitor processions, and additional cameras are being installed along procession routes'. Azma Bokhari further informed media that cold water and beverage stalls will be set up for mourners as per the chief minister's directions. All Sabeels will be registered and monitored by the Food Department to ensure quality. WASA water tankers will sprinkle water on roads, and 'Clinics on Wheels' will accompany processions, she added. A detailed traffic management plan has also been prepared. District administrations will issue traffic advisories 24 hours prior to processions, and all relevant officers will assume their positions before June 29, she said. She concluded by saying that the suspension of mobile services and ban on pillion riding will be decided in due course based on the law and order situation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
