KP CM should focus on law and order instead of politics: Minister Azma

LAHORE, Sep 25 (APP): Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari Friday said that serious incidents of terrorism were taking place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the attention of the KP chief minister appeared to remain focused on political activities instead of law and order.

In a statement issued here, she said it was highly regrettable that no provincial government official attended the funeral prayers of the victims of the terrorist incident in Kohat. She urged the KP Chief Minister to focus on maintaining law and order and strengthen institutions such as the Counter Terrorism Department.

The minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa might be far away, due to which news from the province sometimes arrived late, but terrorist incidents were taking place in plain sight. She said the provincial government should prioritise the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

Referring to political activities, Azma Bokhari said that “Afridi Sahib” was travelling across the country, but his performance remained zero. She alleged that after NAB identified billions of rupees in financial irregularities, everyone fell silent, adding that the entire focus appeared to be on securing the release of a major corruption accused. “If an accused is to be released, the courts should be approached,” she added.

She said a political party had repeatedly pursued what she described as the politics of disorder and was once again attempting to create chaos in the country. She questioned whether preparations to march on the capital could genuinely be described as preparations for peaceful protest. Referring to the reported presence of sticks fitted with nails, she said such actions were inappropriate and added that the state knew how to deal with elements disrupting public order.

Azma Bokhari said Punjab was making progress in various sectors and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was taking practical measures for public relief. She said several projects were being implemented to provide better services and facilities to citizens.

The minister said petroleum products were expensive and beyond the reach of many people, therefore, more citizens should shift towards public transport. She said electric buses were being provided across Punjab without discrimination, while free travel facilities had also been extended to women, senior citizens and students.

She said the Punjab government had also achieved effective control over smog and was taking practical measures to support farmers. She added that 10,000 super seeders had already been provided to farmers.

Azma Bokhari said a cancer hospital had been established in Multan where patients would receive treatment without discrimination. She said people who previously had to travel to Lahore for cancer treatment would now have access to modern medical facilities closer to their homes.

She said modern machinery was being introduced in hospitals and no poor patient would be denied treatment at any government hospital. The Punjab government, she added, was taking practical measures to provide healthcare, transport and other basic services to the people.

The minister said the Punjab government’s focus was on serving the people and developing the province rather than political confrontation.