Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Thursday said the Punjab government is utilising public funds for the welfare of citizens and development projects across the province, adding that this appears to be the reason behind the Pakistan Peoples Party’s criticism of Punjab.
Responding to recent statements by PPP spokespersons, Azma Bokhari said everyone was aware of the reasons behind the party’s hostility towards Punjab. She said the government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had completed only two years in office and, during this period, ensured the equitable distribution of resources while extending development initiatives from Attock to Rahim Yar Khan and from Rawalpindi to Vehari.
She said development projects were being implemented in every district of Punjab without discrimination, resulting in a visible improvement in the quality of life of the people. She added that criticism from those envious of Punjab’s progress would not deter the government from continuing its public service agenda.
The minister said the people of Punjab had repeatedly expressed confidence in the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), adding that if the PPP ranked as the fourth-largest political party in the province, it was due to its own political performance rather than any actions of the PML-N.
Referring to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s visit to Lahore, Azma Bokhari said the Punjab government had extended full cooperation to help him understand Punjab’s governance model. She expressed hope that the people of Sindh would also benefit from improved governance and development similar to that witnessed in Punjab.
Addressing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she urged him to maintain the dignity of his position by avoiding politics based on hatred and division. She also claimed that PPP spokespersons in Sindh appeared more focused on criticising Punjab than highlighting the performance of their own provincial government.
Reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment, Azma Bokhari said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial administration would continue pursuing its agenda of public welfare, transparent governance and inclusive development with dedication.