PPP Overstepping Constitutional Limits by Interfering in Punjab’s Affairs: Azma Bokhari

By Staff Reporter Muhammad Shahzad
LAHORE: Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of violating constitutional boundaries by meddling in Punjab’s provincial matters, terming such actions an attempt to gain political mileage.

In a strong statement on Saturday, Bokhari said the PPP leadership had been “consistently overstepping its constitutional limits” and interfering in Punjab’s affairs. “Those who once raised the slogan of ‘Marsoon Marsoon, Sindh na desoon’ are now playing the provincialism card for political gain,” she remarked.

She added that the PPP’s recent criticism reflected fear of Maryam Nawaz’s growing popularity. “Either you have lost your senses or you are terrified of Maryam Nawaz’s increasing influence,” she said, noting that just two weeks ago, the media had largely ignored PPP’s statements.

Bokhari accused PPP leaders of attempting to gain attention by “mocking Punjab’s flood victims and farmers.” She pointed to what she described as poor governance in Sindh, saying that despite 17 consecutive years in power, the province continues to face severe administrative and developmental challenges.

“Instead of addressing the problems of Sindh, the PPP is interfering in Punjab’s affairs,” she said, questioning why the Sindh government failed to purchase wheat from its own farmers. “This is something the entire nation deserves an answer to.”

Reiterating Punjab’s autonomy, Bokhari stressed that the province did not need permission from any other to utilize its own resources. “The first right over Punjab’s resources belongs to the people of Punjab,” she said, adding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would ensure that the province’s farmers receive their fair share of water.

“When Maryam Nawaz speaks for the rights of Punjab’s people, why does the PPP feel so uncomfortable?” Bokhari asked.

She concluded by saying that the people of Punjab would not forget the PPP’s “negative and mocking attitude” during difficult times. “Punjab will remember who stood with them and who mocked their struggles,” she asserted.