- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday strongly rebutted the opposition’s criticism regarding public sector advertisements, terming it baseless and detached from reality.
Addressing the Punjab Assembly, she stated that the opposition’s objections were based on fake posts and misinformation rather than facts.
“The claims made by the opposition were rooted solely in fake posts — and we cannot shape policy based on misinformation,” Bokhari asserted. She further added, “If I wanted, I could spin tales of rivers of milk and honey flowing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — but we speak from ground realities, not fabricated images.”
Bokhari criticized what she described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public by portraying every government advertisement as political propaganda. “There is a clear difference between political publicity and social awareness campaigns,” she emphasized, underscoring the importance of disseminating accurate information about public welfare initiatives.
In a pointed remark, she questioned the opposition’s double standards: “For them, posting pictures with dogs is considered social publicity, but when we promote our ‘Apna Ghar, Apni Chhat’ housing scheme, it becomes political?”
Highlighting the need for effective public communication, she remarked, “The government cannot send out drummers or hang messages around pigeons’ necks to spread awareness. This bill is solely intended to ensure that government initiatives are communicated effectively to the people.”
Acknowledging concerns raised by journalists, Bokhari maintained that while media feedback is respected, legislative authority rests with the elected representatives. “Let it be clear — the power to legislate lies with Parliament, not the media,” she stated.
Concluding her address, Azma Bokhari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working within the constitutional and legal framework. “The media is on the receiving end — it cannot dictate how advertisements should be designed. We will continue to legislate in the interest of the people,” she declared.