PPP Holds Grudge Against Punjab, Says Azma Bukhari; Claims Sindh Residents Pray for Maryam Nawaz to Become Their Chief Minister

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that it harbors resentment towards Punjab and is uncomfortable with public funds being spent on the welfare and development of the people. She claimed that the “Nawabs of Larkana” are unable to accept the progress being made in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Responding to statements made by PPP spokespersons, Azma Bukhari said the Punjab government is utilizing provincial resources for the benefit of its people, which she described as the PPP’s primary concern. She maintained that those envious of Punjab’s development and prosperity would continue to criticize the province’s progress.

The provincial minister said that despite completing only two years in office, the Maryam Nawaz-led government has extended development initiatives across Punjab, from Attock to Rahim Yar Khan and from Rawalpindi to Vehari. She added that this equitable distribution of resources is something PPP leaders from Larkana have found difficult to accept.

Azma Bukhari stated that if the PPP ranks fourth among political parties in Punjab, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) cannot be blamed for it, adding that the people of Punjab have expressed satisfaction with the government’s performance. Referring to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s visit to Lahore, she said the Punjab government welcomed him and remains committed to seeing Sindh achieve the same level of development and prosperity as Punjab.

She further remarked that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should avoid the politics of hatred and division and uphold the dignity of his office. Questioning the role of PPP spokespersons in Sindh, she asked why they focus on criticizing Punjab instead of highlighting the performance of their own provincial government.

Azma Bukhari claimed that if the PPP’s governance record were truly admirable, the people of Sindh would not be praying for Maryam Nawaz to become the province’s Chief Minister.