Punjab Minister Uzma Bukhari Defends Maryam Nawaz’s Performance, Highlights Development in South Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has strongly defended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s performance, stating that the people of Punjab, particularly those in South Punjab, are benefiting from unprecedented development projects and are expressing gratitude for the provincial government’s initiatives.

Speaking during the general debate on the provincial budget in the Punjab Assembly, Bukhari criticized opposition members for what she described as irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric. She accused the opposition of focusing on conflict and division rather than public welfare and constructive political discourse.

The minister said the opposition continued to make allegations of corruption without presenting evidence. Referring to claims regarding media publicity expenditures, she maintained that such accusations were baseless and unsupported by facts.

Bukhari also defended the government’s development agenda, asserting that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had prioritized districts in South Punjab in various projects. She said critics who advocate for a separate South Punjab province should remove their “biases” and acknowledge the billions of rupees being invested in development schemes across the region.

“Even if political opponents refuse to appreciate the chief minister’s efforts, the people of South Punjab are offering prayers for her because they can see the development taking place,” she said.

Highlighting ongoing projects, Bukhari pointed to the launch of electric bus services and other public welfare initiatives, arguing that the government was delivering practical solutions to citizens’ problems. She said opposition lawmakers often criticized projects while simultaneously demanding that such facilities be extended to their own constituencies.

The information minister also rejected claims that South Punjab had been neglected, emphasizing that the current administration had launched more than 100 development projects despite economic challenges and political criticism.

She further argued that Punjab remained the most developed province in the country and questioned calls for further provincial division, stating that similar deprivation issues existed in other parts of Pakistan.

Concluding her remarks, Bukhari praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, saying she had remained focused on public service despite political attacks and continued to work for the welfare and development of the people of Punjab.