Daily Times

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of arming activists and Afghan nationals for the opposition party’s November 24 protest.

In a press conference, the Punjab information minister said that ‘it was a solid report that the PTI has provided weapons to its “youth force as well as Afghan nationals” to disrupt the law and order situation during the party’s November 24 demonstration in Islamabad.’ She further said that that PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan “needs bodies” to further his agenda, and that Rs 2 billion will be spent in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the planned “May 9 part Two” protests.

Bokhari also criticised the government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) for its handling of security, pointing out that recent terrorist incidents in Kurram and Parachinar had been ignored in favour of focusing on the PTI protest.

She accused K-P’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, of disregarding the situation in the province while stoking tensions by involving political figures like Bushra Bibi.

The minister referenced the lack of response to ongoing violence in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, noting that over 40 people had been killed in recent attacks without any significant intervention from the provincial authorities.

The Punjab government has also accused the PTI leadership of providing weapons to its supporters in preparation for tomorrow’s planned protest. Bokhari further criticised Bushra Bibi’s political involvement, suggesting that her engagement in political affairs was inappropriate, particularly in light of her role in the party’s internal dynamics.

Previously, Bokhari made similar statements as she criticised K-P, describing it as a “hideout for terrorists,” urging the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to take immediate action. Speaking to the media in on September 10, Azma alleged that Zartaj Gul, whom she described as a “terrorist”, has found refuge in K-P. She questioned why no action was being taken and urged the judiciary to intervene. “I don’t want conflicts between provinces, we are all Pakistanis,” she added. She also expressed disapproval of the political maneuvering based on rumours and hearsay.