‘Come to Punjab, I’ll Show You Our Progress — You Show Me Nawabshah and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh,’ Says Azma Bukhari in Criticism of PPP

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister **Azma Bukhari** has lashed out at the **Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)**, saying she has accepted Sindh Information Minister **Sharjeel Memon’s** debate challenge and is ready to compare Punjab’s performance with Sindh’s 17-year record.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Bukhari said that Punjab has always acted as the “big brother” by supporting other provinces in times of natural disasters, but when Punjab faced a crisis, others chose to play politics instead of offering help.

> “If the Punjab government had not been prepared, the floods across three rivers would have caused massive destruction. Multan and Muzaffargarh were affected, but we managed to prevent large-scale losses in 25 districts,” she said.

The minister revealed that **4.7 million people** were affected by recent floods and that **compensation cheques** will be distributed among flood victims on **October 17**. She added that Chief Minister **Maryam Nawaz** had announced a **₨15,000 salary increase** for Civil Defence employees and instructed all departments to **cut unnecessary expenses**.

Taking aim at the PPP, Azma Bukhari said:

> “We respect our coalition partners, but they’ll get the same kind of response as their tone. The difference between Lahore and Karachi is no rocket science — it’s visible to everyone. You’ve done nothing in Sindh and continue to climb on Punjab’s shoulders for your politics.”

She further challenged the PPP leadership by saying:

> “Come to Punjab; I’ll show you Bahawalpur, Multan, Lodhran, Rahim Yar Khan, and D.G. Khan. I want to take you on a tour of Punjab — and in return, take me to **Kashmore, Nawabshah, and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh** and show me what you’ve achieved there.”

Reaffirming her acceptance of **Sharjeel Memon’s debate challenge**, she added:

> “You tell us just 17 major projects from your 17 years in power. Come to Lahore, and I’ll show you what we’ve accomplished here.”

Bukhari also criticized PPP leaders like **Nadeem Afzal Chan** for making “baseless allegations” instead of helping flood victims, saying, “It’s our responsibility to defend Punjab’s case — and we will continue to do so.”