Metro53 - Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has claimed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) feels threatened by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s effective performance and has therefore resorted to issuing “non-serious” statements.
Speaking on a private television programme, Ms Bukhari said if PPP initiates a ceasefire in the ongoing political sparring, it would be welcomed. She maintained that the tensions were not triggered from the government’s side.
She criticized PPP for choosing political point-scoring instead of extending cooperation during the recent floods, which, she said, caused severe damage in Punjab. “As an ally, constructive suggestions are always welcome, but political opportunism in times of crisis is regrettable,” she remarked.
Taking a swipe at the Sindh government, Ms Bukhari said while PPP leaders speak about the plight of farmers in Punjab, growers in Sindh have not been given support prices for wheat either. “Why only highlight Punjab’s farmers? Why not speak about those in Sindh?” she asked.
The minister also accused certain PPP leaders of interfering in Punjab’s internal affairs, a practice she described as “inappropriate.” She added, “We have never objected to Sindh’s matters, and they should also respect Punjab’s administrative autonomy.”
Pointing to federal projects underway in Sindh, Ms Bukhari claimed Punjab was not receiving similar direct support. She said Punjab was managing flood rehabilitation efforts through its own resources rather than relying on external aid. “Some circles insist that Punjab should seek foreign assistance, but we prefer self-reliance and take pride in rebuilding on our own,” she said.
On the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms Bukhari noted that not every flood-affected person is registered with the scheme, arguing that restricting relief solely to BISP beneficiaries was unfair.
She added that if PPP genuinely wanted to act as a coalition partner and help flood victims, the Punjab government was ready to cooperate, but unnecessary blame games must be avoided.
Concluding her remarks, Ms Bukhari said PPP’s frequent criticism reflected its unease with Maryam Nawaz’s governance. “We have no issue with constructive criticism,” she said. “But the comparison should be based on performance rather than unfounded allegations.”
