PML-N’s By-Election Gains Signal Public Backing for Development Agenda: Azma Bokhari

By Farzana Chaudhry – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has witnessed a dramatic surge in its vote bank in the recent Punjab by-elections — rising from nearly 20,000 votes to over 100,000 compared to the general elections.

She stated that the sharp increase reflects a public endorsement of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s governance model and development-driven initiatives, rejecting what she termed “politics of abuse and disruption.”

Speaking at a press conference at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), Bokhari said voters across thirteen constituencies chose performance-oriented politics, bolstered by projects such as electric buses, free scholarships, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, and the Kissan Card.

Bokhari said political rivals, including Suhail Afridi, are “fearful” of Maryam Nawaz’s expanding development portfolio — a fear that she claimed has intensified after PML-N’s strong by-election showing.

She emphasized that Maryam Nawaz “restored Punjab from a state of administrative disorder” and has set a precedent of transparent governance backed by over 90 ongoing development projects. The Chief Minister, she noted, conducts regular quarterly performance reviews and personally monitors projects daily.

‘Public rejects chaos-driven politics’

The minister added that PTI’s narrative of victimization in the by-elections was disproved by the results. She said more than 420 PTI leaders, lawyers, and 190 family members have met the party’s founder in prison, undermining claims of restrictions.

She stressed that the Chief Minister has no role in jail administration, which remains a matter for the prison authorities.

Bokhari said citizens have clearly voted for “service-based initiatives” — including Saaf Punjab, free medicines, Himmat Card, mobile clinics, and WASA reforms. She also pointed out that even in Haripur, where PTI governs, voters did not support the party’s candidate.

Environmental reforms draw foreign interest

Highlighting Punjab’s efforts to tackle smog, Bokhari said anti-smog guns, improved air quality measures, and wider environmental reforms have attracted international attention. She noted that the Philippine ambassador recently praised Punjab’s initiatives and expressed interest in replicating them.

Message from Punjab: development over confrontation

Bokhari concluded that the by-election results demonstrate a clear public preference for stability, development, and welfare.

“People of Punjab have voted for education, healthcare, infrastructure, scholarships, and progress — not slings, scissors, or the politics of hatred,” she said.

She added that PML-N’s performance in Punjab now sets a benchmark for other provinces, urging them to engage in “healthy competition for development” rather than politics of confrontation.