Punjab Government Defends Maryam Nawaz, Says Terrorism Concerns ‘Politically Misconstrued’
LAHORE – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has strongly defended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz against criticism over her recent remarks on terrorism, asserting that a legitimate security concern is being unnecessarily politicized and given a “provincial color” by opponents.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said the fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility of the entire nation and all provinces, and it is “deeply regrettable” that the issue is being viewed through the lens of provincialism or political point-scoring.
She clarified that Maryam Nawaz, during her speech, had highlighted an important security matter regarding terrorist threats. The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and other law enforcement agencies are continuously monitoring terrorist elements, proscribed organizations, and their networks across the province, she added.
“Maryam Nawaz expressed concern that terrorist elements and proxies coming from external borders must also be taken seriously,” Bukhari said, emphasizing that the Chief Minister’s remarks were made in this specific context.
Pakistan’s Defensive Capabilities
The Information Minister asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces have proven their capability to defend the homeland on every occasion, including the recent Operation Hirak. She stated that Pakistan does not need to fear any country, but elements that cannot engage in direct confrontation attempt to spread instability through proxies – a threat that cannot be ignored.
Terrorism: A National, Not Provincial, Issue
Bukhari stressed that terrorism is not a problem of any single province but of the entire Pakistan. Whether it is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, or Sindh, effective strategies and coordinated actions are needed everywhere to eliminate terrorism and establish peace.
“Maryam Nawaz wishes that peace be established in all provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and that terrorist sleeper cells and networks be eliminated just as they have been in Punjab,” she said.
Punjab’s Security Achievements
The Minister highlighted that the Punjab government has provided institutions with modern technology, improved surveillance, and effective resources to maintain law and order. She cited the coordinated operation in the Kacha area as a notable example, where organized action against criminals fleeing across provincial borders led to significant improvement.
She claimed that under the Punjab government’s effective strategy, crimes against property have decreased by over 70 percent. Measures to enhance police capacity, provide modern equipment and technology, and implement effective surveillance aim to provide a safe environment for citizens.
Provincial Responsibility Under the Constitution
Bukhari rejected the notion that any provincial government could abdicate its responsibility for maintaining law and order and leave it entirely to federal institutions or the Pakistan Army. She reminded that under the Constitution and law, provincial governments and their relevant departments have the primary duty to maintain peace and order.
Criticism of KP Government
Taking aim at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Bukhari said that if there is genuine concern for the honor and rights of Pashtun people, it should be demonstrated through practical measures rather than mere statements and political propaganda.
“Providing quality education, scholarships, laptops, better roads, and basic facilities to Pashtun youth is equally important. Problems will not be solved by creating a political narrative while depriving people of basic facilities,” she asserted.
Punjab’s Support for Other Provinces
Bukhari highlighted that Maryam Nawaz has provided practical support not only to Punjab but also to other provinces and law enforcement agencies. She cited a Rs. 10 billion package for law enforcement agencies in Balochistan as evidence that the Chief Minister’s politics are based on national solidarity and public service, not provincialism.
“No Certificate Needed”
The Information Minister categorically stated that neither Maryam Nawaz nor the PML-N believes in provincial politics. “Maryam Nawaz is as concerned about terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as she is about law and order in Punjab,” she said, adding that the Chief Minister needs no one’s certificate of patriotism nor does she need to prove her intentions through anyone’s political narrative.
Bukhari said Maryam Nawaz has always responded to criticism and negative propaganda through her performance. Development projects in education, health, and public welfare in Punjab are clear evidence that the government’s focus is on practical measures, not political rhetoric.
Call for National Unity
The Minister concluded by saying that twisting the Punjab Chief Minister’s security concern into a provincial issue serves no one’s interest. The fight against terrorism requires national unity and a collective strategy, rising above political differences.
“Elements waging a proxy war against Pakistan can only be countered through effective institutional action, coordinated strategy, and national unity – not political point-scoring,” she emphasized.
“Maryam Nawaz is not against any province but against terrorism and instability. Her goal is to make the entire Pakistan safe, and for this purpose, she neither needs anyone’s political certificate nor is she dependent on it,” Bukhari concluded.
