LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved 169 agenda items in a recent high-level meeting, as confirmed by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari during a detailed press briefing.
The minister addressed multiple issues including the province’s flood response, social welfare initiatives, and growing political tensions with the Sindh government.
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Highlighting the severity of this year’s monsoon season, Bukhari said Punjab witnessed significantly more rainfall than usual, resulting in widespread flooding that affected over 4.7 million people. She praised the provincial government’s preparedness, saying, “If the Punjab government had not been prepared, there could have been extensive damage.”
Addressing health concerns following the floods, Bukhari revealed that 174 snake bite cases were reported but reassured the public that no fatalities occurred due to swift medical responses.
On flood relief efforts, the minister announced that distribution of financial assistance to flood victims will begin on October 17, with surveys of 400 villages already completed. She added that support will be extended to people living on the banks of rivers, and reiterated the government’s commitment to rebuilding lives.
In a nod to ongoing development programs, Bukhari mentioned the Apna Ghar Apni Chhat housing initiative and other welfare projects, such as laptop distributions for students and public transport inaugurations by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Meanwhile, Bukhari also disclosed a Rs 15,000 salary increase for Civil Defense employees.
However, much of her press conference focused on rising political tensions with the Sindh government. She accused Sindh officials of politicising natural disasters and failing to deliver on development promises. “Unfortunately, difficult times were used for political purposes,” she said.
She took aim at Sindh’s senior leadership, citing the number of press conferences held by PPP leaders Nadeem Afzal Chan, Sharjeel Memon, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, contrasting it with what she claimed was lackluster action on the ground. “Ask Sindh government ministers what they have done for flood victims?” she challenged.
Taking a direct swipe at Sindh’s ruling party, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bukhari said, “The Sindh government is under pressure from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s performance.” She invited Sharjeel Memon to tour Punjab to witness its development firsthand and demanded he present 17 projects from PPP’s 17 years in power in Sindh.
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“The Punjab government does not have time for cheap acting,” she said, adding, “Those who cannot do anything in difficult times only talk.”
She concluded by asserting that Punjab continues to play its role as a “big brother” in the federation, despite being unfairly criticised. “Punjab has always lived up to its right to be an elder brother, but we will not always come under the knife,” she said.