LAHORE – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has strongly criticized human rights organizations for their alleged silence over the recent targeted killings of Punjabis in Balochistan. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Bukhari emphasized the need for immediate and strict actions to curb terror activities in the province, which has been witnessing increasing violence against the Punjabi community.
Bukhari condemned what she described as the inaction of human rights outfits, who she claimed have failed to speak out against the ongoing violence targeting Punjabis. “The militants continue to target the people of Punjab in Balochistan, but the so-called human rights defenders are quiet,” she remarked, urging for stronger measures to tackle the rising wave of terrorism in the region.
In addition to addressing the violence, the minister reaffirmed that the Punjab government has not halted the Health Card facility in government hospitals. She assured the public that an audit report on the Health Card system would be made available soon to ensure transparency. “We are committed to providing health services, and there is no disruption to the Health Card system,” Bukhari said.
Bukhari also dismissed the protests planned by the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling their actions a mere habit. She expressed indifference to PTI’s protest plans, which focus on the release of party founder Imran Khan. According to reports, Khan’s sons, Suleman and Qasim, are expected to join the rally, which has the potential to energize the PTI workers and leadership.
Political analysts have suggested that the presence of Khan’s sons in the movement may provide a morale boost to PTI supporters. However, Bukhari’s comments reflect the provincial government’s stance on the matter, signaling that the ruling party is not concerned with the opposition’s protests at this time.
The escalating violence in Balochistan and the ongoing political developments in Punjab highlight the tense and volatile political landscape in the region. As calls for stronger measures continue, it remains to be seen how the government and human rights organizations will respond to the situation in the coming weeks.