Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that in a province facing a coordinated and dangerous wave of terrorism-where soldiers of the Pakistan Army, police officers and innocent civilians are sacrificing their lives on a daily basis-refusing to call terrorists as terrorists raises serious and alarming questions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, she said that those elements who hesitate to recognize terrorists as terrorists and avoid taking a clear and unambiguous stance against them must clarify where they actually stand and whom they are defending.
Azma Bokhari stated that expecting effective action against terrorism from individuals or groups who remain silent over the killers of Pakistan’s defenders is nothing but self-deception. She made it clear that not only the perpetrators of oppression but also those who support, justify or remain ambiguous about such acts are equally guilty.
She emphasized that history has repeatedly exposed those who adopt double standards on the issue of terrorism, adding that Pakistan at this critical juncture needs clarity, courage and an unequivocal stance-free from ambiguity, political expediency or vested interests.
The Information Minister stressed that silence on terrorism is itself a crime and reiterated that the Government of Punjab and state institutions believe in zero tolerance against terrorism. She reaffirmed that no compromise will ever be made on the blood of martyrs and that the fight against terrorism will continue with full resolve.