Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Sunday strongly responded to Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Memon, rejecting allegations over flood relief and local body elections.
She defended Punjab’s development work and called out what she described as politically motivated criticism from the PPP.
Response to PPP allegations
Azma Bukhari criticised Sharjeel Memon for targeting Punjab and attempting to politicize flood relief. She said, “Whenever local body elections are held in Punjab, they will not be bogus like Karachi, so keep your deadline in your pocket.”
She accused Memon of trying to “forcefully enter a province and fight” and emphasized that Punjab’s resources and water will not be used according to external demands.
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Azma Bukhari highlighted Punjab’s proactive response to the floods, stating that checks are being delivered to surveyed households and that beneficiaries are expressing gratitude to the Punjab government and Maryam Nawaz. She accused PPP leaders of insulting flood victims and exaggerating hardships in the province.
“Did PPP Punjab and Sindh help the flood victims even a little?” she questioned, adding that the party’s narrative of dirty politics on flood victims had failed.
Challenge to Sharjeel Memon
Bukhari accepted Sharjeel Memon’s challenge for a debate, stating: “The place and time are of your choice, but you will definitely come yourself, don’t hide behind any proxy.” She reiterated that the PPP’s attempt to politicize Punjab’s development and relief efforts will not succeed.
The minister also criticized PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto, claiming that during his tenure as foreign minister he undermined his party, the federal government, and the Prime Minister. She accused the PPP of interfering in Punjab’s affairs and attempting to blackmail the federation with threats and protests.
“Who are you to give orders to Punjab? Keep your orders and advice in your pocket,” Bukhari added.
Defense of Punjab development
Azma Bukhari stressed Punjab’s development achievements, noting that South Punjab is still more developed than many areas of interior Sindh. She also rejected the PPP’s use of the South Punjab and BISP cards for political messaging, calling it “filth” rather than politics.
She further criticized PPP’s focus on sanitation and garbage collection in Karachi, saying it does not justify interference in Punjab’s governance.
