PML-N’s Historic Victory in Sheikhupura, Says Punjab Information Minister

LAHORE: Punjab’s Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, has attributed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) resounding victory in the Sheikhupura by-election to the public welfare projects spearheaded by Maryam Nawaz. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari noted that the party had secured a historic win, increasing its lead from 18,000 votes in previous elections to a significant 22,000 this time.
She emphasized that whenever the opposition parties, particularly in Punjab, had called for chaos and unrest, the public had firmly rejected those calls, reaffirming their support for the ruling party. Bukhari also took a jibe at PTI leader Bushra Bibi, saying she visited the home of a martyr but avoided appearing in court, where she would have been forced to answer questions about diamonds, a reference to allegations of corruption.
Addressing ongoing political developments, Bukhari further criticized the opposition, asserting that people had rejected the anti-institutional narrative promoted by PTI. “PML-N remains the largest party in Punjab and will continue to dominate in the future,” she stated.
The Minister also responded to PTI’s accusations regarding election processes, particularly the criticism of Form 47, pointing out that critics had no response to the development projects being implemented by the government.
Highlighting the achievements of Maryam Nawaz, Bukhari said that the government had provided financial relief to consumers, offering Rs. 54 billion worth of subsidies, which resulted in a reduction of electricity rates by 14 rupees per unit. “Unlike the opposition’s empty slogans, our government has focused on tangible progress, providing scholarships to 68,000 students and launching a Rs. 130 billion scholarship program,” Bukhari asserted.
In another major development, she announced the launch of a free solar panel program, aimed at providing one lakh solar systems to residents, with specific focus on those consuming 200 and 100 units of electricity per month. The government will also provide installation services free of charge.
Bukhari did not hold back in her criticism of PTI’s leadership, calling the party’s founder “a joker” who had previously played the religion and cipher cards and now sought to play the “apology card” in a desperate attempt to regain relevance. She also took a dig at Bushra Bibi, saying that despite her frequent emphasis on religious observance and modesty, she had participated in PTI’s long march without adhering to the same standards.
Finally, addressing the recent tragic incident at Punjab University, Bukhari confirmed that an investigation was underway into the killing of a student, revealing that a firearm had been found in the car of a friend of the victim. She also condemned the exploitation of ethnic and political sentiments by opposition groups, warning that the “Pashtun card” and other forms of political opportunism would not be allowed to succeed.
Bukhari concluded by stressing that the ruling government would not allow the opposition to make political capital from tragedies, urging the public to remain united against such divisive tactics.