LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of a woman and her infant daughter at Bhati Chowk near Data Darbar, extending condolences to the bereaved family and assuring that the government is committed to delivering justice.
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In a statement, Bokhari acknowledged that initial reports and a circulated video were based on incorrect information from relevant departments, which led to public confusion. She emphasised that she never hesitated to admit mistakes or apologise and added that she would be willing to resign if it could help secure justice for the family. However, she clarified that, under the chief minister’s direction, she bore no personal fault or direct responsibility for the incident.
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
Bokhari noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz immediately took notice of the tragedy, monitored the victim’s last known location via Punjab Safe Cities Authority cameras, and convened an emergency meeting to expedite investigations. The inquiry committee was granted an additional 48 hours to identify those responsible.
The minister highlighted that preliminary reports indicated some departments had deemed the incident “impossible,” creating confusion, while complaints regarding police behaviour toward the victim’s family are also under investigation. She reiterated that no administrative failure or negligence would be tolerated and pledged strict action against anyone found responsible.
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Bokhari further stressed that effective monitoring of construction sites falls under the responsibility of relevant officers and that any lapse is unacceptable. She also noted that the Punjab government aims to hold local bodies elections soon, aiming to improve urban governance through the inclusion of elected representatives.
“Our prayers are with the departed souls, and justice will be ensured for the affected family,” she said.