LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has issued a public apology after sharing incorrect information regarding the Bhati Gate incident, expressing regret over the dissemination of inaccurate details about the tragedy.
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In a statement posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Bukhari said she felt deeply saddened and embarrassed by the incident. She explained that the incorrect facts were initially provided by the district administration, allegedly in an effort to conceal administrative mistakes, and were later shared publicly based on those briefings.
اس افسوسناک واقعے پر دلی طور پر دکھی اور شرمندہ ہیں،انتظامیہ نے غلطی چھپانے کے لئے غلط حقائق شئیر کئیے،وزیر اعلی مریم نواز نے آج غلطیوں اور کوتاہیوں کو چھپایا نہیں بلکہ برملا اس پر ندامت کا اظہار کیا،اور گناہگاروں کو گرفتار کروایا،کیونکہ پنجاب میں انسانی جان کے ضیاع کی کوئی معافی… https://t.co/m6fOo03e4x
— Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) January 29, 2026
Commenting on the incident, Bukhari said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz did not attempt to hide any errors or shortcomings and instead openly acknowledged the lapses. According to her, the chief minister expressed remorse over the tragedy and directed authorities to take action against those responsible, resulting in arrests.
“There can be no forgiveness for the loss of human life in Punjab,” Bukhari said, adding that she personally felt ashamed and had sought forgiveness from the public. She stressed that her intention was never to mislead and that she relied on the information provided by officials at the time.
The information minister further revealed that she had offered to resign following the controversy. However, she said the chief minister clarified that the mistake was not hers and asked her to continue serving in her role. Bukhari concluded her statement by praying for the safety of all citizens.
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The incident has raised serious concerns over safety arrangements in Lahore’s congested urban areas, particularly near major religious sites and market hubs. Earlier, despite repeated appeals from the victim’s family, the district administration reportedly denied the occurrence of the incident. The official stance changed only after the recovery of the victim’s mother’s body.
The tragedy has renewed calls for accountability and improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.