Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari sharply criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday. She called PTI a fascist group aiming to destabilize Pakistan rather than a political party. Speaking in Lahore, she accused PTI of spreading unrest and damaging national interests. Bokhari said PTI’s fear of public rejection was clear when it avoided the Sambrial and Muridke by-elections. She condemned PTI for causing the May 9 violence, warning that forgiving such acts risks repetition.
Bokhari emphasized that only the Supreme Court can ban political parties but insisted that the country must move beyond PTI’s chaos. She questioned PTI’s legitimacy, alleging guerrilla-style conspiracies against Pakistan. She stated firmly that such a “terrorist group” would never be allowed to ruin the country’s law and order. Regarding PTI’s planned protest on August 5, she claimed no leaders were willing to take responsibility. She mocked PTI for calling protests while ignoring key national issues.
Turning to foreign policy, Bokhari accused PTI chief Imran Khan of promoting American interests. She said the “Jewish lobby relaunched its product” through him. She ridiculed Imran’s shifting stance on freedom, noting how his son also seeks freedom from the U.S. Bokhari sarcastically said, “Instead of threatening America, now their slogans praise Trump as the only hope.” She also cited PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur’s praise for Punjab’s development during a Lahore visit.
Bokhari highlighted the PTI’s history of canceled protests, including calls on November 26 and April 9 that never took place. She used these failures to question PTI’s credibility and strength. Meanwhile, she praised the government’s tough stance on sugar hoarding, noting many arrests and the seizure of stockpiled sugar from mills. Bokhari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting national interests and the welfare of the people.
Azma Bokhari portrayed the current government as stable and dedicated to Pakistan’s future. She urged citizens to reject PTI’s disruptive tactics and support peace and progress. The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing political tensions and upcoming protests, signaling a hardening stance from the ruling party.