Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari on Monday stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had no performance to present to the public. She made these remarks while speaking to the media outside the Punjab Assembly alongside Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.
Criticism of KP Budget Allocations
Azma Bukhari highlighted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government allocated only Rs 100,000 per project for 189 projects and merely Rs 10,000 per project for 177 projects in its budget, raising serious questions about its commitment to development. She said, “Despite grand claims of change, people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain deprived of basic facilities, and in some areas, residents are still forced to cross rivers using traditional carriers.”
Praise for Leadership and International Recognition
She further stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had demonstrated that the impossible can be made possible, and today the entire world and international media acknowledged their leadership and role. Referring to recent global developments, she expressed hope that recent agreements would prove lasting and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.
Punjab Budget Sessions and Opposition Criticism
The minister said, “The Punjab Assembly is currently holding budget sessions, which are an important stage in public service and development planning.” She regretted that instead of engaging in meaningful debate on the budget, the opposition had limited itself to social media propaganda and political sloganeering.
Government Initiatives and Achievements
Azma Bukhari said that the incumbent government had taken significant initiatives in areas such as agriculture, health, education, livestock, and other sectors, bringing visible improvements for the public. She added that the Punjab government’s “Suthra Punjab Program,” educational scholarships, and laptop schemes were benefiting citizens across the province without discrimination.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, record investments and practical measures had been undertaken in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He stated that the agriculture and livestock budget, which stood at Rs 42 billion in 2021–22, had increased to Rs 116 billion in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, 98% of the agricultural budget and 93% of livestock funds were utilized in the previous fiscal year.
Agricultural and Livestock Sector Progress
He said that Rs 8 billion was allocated for the restoration of 700,000 acres of flood-affected land, while wheat farmers received financial assistance worth Rs 15 billion. A total of 30,000 Green Tractors had already been distributed under subsidy programs, and another 20,000 tractors would be provided. Under the Kisan Card program, interest-free loans worth Rs 250 billion had been issued, and an additional Rs 200 billion would be provided this year. To combat smog, 5,000 Super Seeders were distributed, resulting in a reported 70% reduction in smog-related impacts. He said, “Another 20,000 Super Seeders are planned for distribution next year.”
The government established four Agri Malls, through which agricultural products worth Rs 4 billion were sold, and ten more Agri Malls were currently being established. In the livestock sector, 400,000 animals were fattened, 10,000 animals were distributed among widowed women, and artificial insemination was carried out for 800,000 animals. Additionally, citrus exports worth $53 million were recorded last year.
Response to Questions on Nawaz Sharif and Budget
Responding to questions, Azma Bukhari said, “Mian Nawaz Sharif’s name does not need to appear on currency notes because his name will always remain associated with Pakistan’s major development projects, national infrastructure development after the nuclear tests, motorways, and the country’s overall progress.” She said that such suggestions may simply reflect personal admiration and affection, which should be respected.
Discussing the budget, she said, “The Punjab government is fully focused on effectively utilizing resources to increase day-to-day revenue. All development projects are continuing according to plan, and there is no intention to cut funding for any major project.” She added that the government expected the revenue situation to improve further by December, placing the province in a stronger financial position.
Vision for Balanced Development and Security
Azma Bukhari said, “The opposition continues to build its political narrative on outdated and unrealistic calculations, whereas the government’s vision is balanced development across all of Punjab.” She said that initiatives such as electric buses, the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing scheme, and other welfare programs were not limited to any specific area but were being implemented throughout the province.
She stated that some individuals made fabricated and factually incorrect statements simply to earn dollars, stressing that ethics and responsibility must be maintained in public discourse because unverified and emotionally charged statements could contribute to social unrest.
Finally, discussing the security situation, she said that Rangers and Pakistan Army personnel were being deployed during Muharram-ul-Haram. However, no final decision had yet been made regarding internet restrictions or other security measures, and the public would be informed as soon as any decision was taken.
