Minister Azma urges Maulana Fazlur Rehman to regret remarks

LAHORE, Oct 16 (APP): Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Friday urged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to express regret over his latest statement, terming it irresponsible and unbecoming of a senior political leader.

In a statement, Azma Bokhari said supporting sympathisers of terrorists was regrettable and questioned whom Maulana Fazlur Rehman was trying to appease through such remarks. She said the JUI-F chief should exercise caution, particularly as he and his party had themselves been targeted in terrorist attacks on several occasions.

The provincial minister said responsibility for the deprivation of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) should not be shifted onto the federal government. Instead, she said, questions should be directed at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had been in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past 13 years.

She added that the PTI founder and his party should be asked about funds allocated for the former FATA and the lack of development work in the region.

Azma Bokhari said political differences should not lead to ridicule of state institutions or disrespect for martyrs. She recalled that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s earlier remarks had also triggered strong public anger.

Referring to PTI’s policies concerning terrorist groups, she said serious questions had been raised about the party’s approach towards terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She maintained that the federal government’s decision to impose Governor’s Rule in the province was not without reason, attributing the situation to what she described as PTI’s policies towards terrorists.

The minister said Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s latest statement had caused widespread public resentment, adding that responsible conduct and careful choice of words were expected from mature political leaders. She urged him to reconsider his remarks and position.