LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s Lahore visit should have inspired by witnessing Punjab’s development.
She made these remarks in a press conference held here today. She began by paying a tribute to the 22 martyrs of Kashmir, saying that the Kashmiri people are still continuing their struggle for freedom.
Turning towards matters at home, she commented on the recent visit of CM Gandapur and his cabinet to Lahore, describing it as a “study tour.” She said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation must have observed Punjab’s infrastructure, including clean roads and developed areas, while traveling on GT Road.
She said that Gandapur experienced hospitality of Punjab and expressed hope that he would learn from Punjab’s development. “He must have seen ‘Suthra Punjab’ personnel at work. If he wants to know how to clean Peshawar, we can guide him,” Bukhari added.
Addressing the point on new protest movement announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), she said, “If Ali Amin Gandapur comes as Chief Minister, we will welcome him. But if he comes armed, it will not be allowed.”
She warned against any attempts to create disorder or damage property in Punjab, saying that political differences should not turn into chaos. “As long as the development of Punjab is not targeted, we have no objection to his visits,” she said.
Referring to Gandapur’s past protest calls and political actions, Bukhari claimed that his current political plan is another “90-day strategy,” suggesting that the Chief Minister might be buying time for his own job. She said PTI’s politics have brought harm to the country and said that former PTI chairman Imran Khan is seeking an “NRO through a letter”.
“PTI has spent four years in power doing nothing but pursuing political revenge,” Bukhari said. “Now, they want dialogue only with those they previously attacked.”
She reiterated that politicians engage in political dialogue and criticized the PTI leadership for damaging Pakistan’s institutions and politics.
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