“Ongoing Failure of Third Uprising Makes Use of Pashtun Card Condemnable, Says Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari”

LAHORE: Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari has strongly condemned the use of the Pashtun card following the failure of the third uprising. In a statement, Bukhari criticized the attempts to exploit ethnic sentiments for political gain, particularly targeting the Pashtun community. She said that after the failure of various political movements and strategies, the Pashtun card is being played in a divisive manner.
She accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, of using Pashtun children for their own “nefarious” purposes, claiming that they were being manipulated to further their political agenda. Bukhari stressed that using the Pashtun card after the failure of the third rebellion is deeply condemnable.
She also highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and criticized the provincial government for not taking adequate steps to ensure peace. Referring to Ali Amin Gandapur, a key member of the provincial government, she said that he should have brought all stakeholders together to address the growing insecurity in the region. She further denounced his refusal to attend an All Parties Conference (APC) aimed at resolving the security issues in KP and Kurram, calling it shameful.
Bukhari also raised concerns over the lack of interest in maintaining peace in the province, stating that the party in power in KP for the last 12 years appears to have no genuine interest in improving the security situation. She accused Ali Amin Gandapur of being more interested in furthering his personal political agenda, even at the cost of national security.
She also criticized the attacks against Pakistan’s military, police, and other security forces by what she referred to as the “fitna party” (a term used by some to describe the opposition’s actions), which she claimed was running a malicious campaign against those safeguarding the country.
In conclusion, Azma Bukhari demanded that Ali Amin Gandapur resign if he was not committed to the future of the people of KP, adding that his continued stay in power is not a “good omen” for the Pashtun community.