Azma Bukhari accuses PTI of ‘politics of disruption’

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Friday questioned whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was genuinely preparing for a peaceful protest, accusing the party of pursuing a “politics of disruption” and warning that the state knew how to deal with those who disrupted public order.

“Is this preparation for peaceful protest? They have always pursued a politics of disruption,” Bukhari commented on PTI’s September 27 long march, adding that anyone seeking the release of an accused person should approach the courts rather than the streets.

Meanwhile KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said consultations had been held on imposing governor’s rule in the province amid security preparations for the march. He suggested PTI could call off the long march within a day or two and questioned how the KP government would function if its leadership and lawmakers joined the protest.

She went on to defend the Punjab government’s performance under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying the province was “leading in every sector” and that the chief minister was working for the people. She pointed to the rollout of electric buses, which she said had been distributed without discrimination and offered free travel to women, senior citizens and students, and urged citizens to rely more on public transport as petroleum prices rise.

On the environment and agriculture, Bukhari said smog in Lahore was under control and that 10,000 super seeders had been distributed to farmers. She also cited the establishment of a cancer hospital in Multan, saying patients there would be treated without discrimination. “No government hospital can refuse treatment to a poor patient,” she said.

Bukhari turned her criticism to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of failing to pay adequate attention to terrorism despite his frequent visits across the province. “Afridi sahib is travelling across every part of the province, but his performance is zero,” she said.

She further claimed the National Accountability Bureau had uncovered billions of rupees in financial irregularities, questioning why the findings had not received more public attention, though she did not specify which case or department she was referring to.

Her comments come amid heightened political tensions ahead of PTI’s planned protest, with government officials warning against violence while PTI leaders maintain their demonstrations will be peaceful.