Punjab information minister says Sindh government started the dispute and should end it, making it clear that Punjab won’t apologise.
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct,07, 2025) Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that if there is to be any reconciliation, the Sindh government “owes many apologies,” questioning what Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz should apologise for.
Azma Bukhari said, “It was Sindh that started this, and it’s in their hands to end it.” She criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for holding daily press conferences and using harsh language against the Punjab government, adding, “If they attack us every day, should we stay silent?”
She claimed the PPP’s approach is aimed at weakening the federation by targeting the Punjab government. “I don’t understand what the PPP wants. Can’t our people also hold press conferences? We can use strong words too, but we don’t have time for this.”
Commenting on inter-provincial interference, Bukhari said, “What’s Sindh’s issue? Why interfere in Punjab’s matters? Sherry Rehman said in the Senate that we should be allowed to work during this crisis — we’re saying the same thing. You give advice, we respond respectfully, but Sindh always plays the provincial card.”
She further questioned the PPP’s contribution during floods, saying, “Where was their help for flood victims? The BISP survey itself raised many questions — it’s meant to measure poverty, while Punjab’s survey is of a different nature. They attacked Punjab based on that — what kind of politics is that?”
Bokhari announced that surveys for flood damages are being completed and cheques will be distributed to victims on October 17, adding that resettling flood victims within a month is the government’s target.
Reiterating her earlier stance, she said, “If reconciliation is the issue, Sindh owes many apologies. Why should the Punjab Chief Minister apologise? Maryam Nawaz is the CM — it’s her duty to speak for Punjab. Sindh plays the Sindh card on every issue.”
Referring to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, she said, “During the Kashmir election campaign, Bilawal was the foreign minister and made harsh remarks against the prime minister. When he accused the Punjab government of conspiring against the federation, I had to respond. Bilawal has represented Pakistan well globally, and we always try to respect PPP, expecting the same in return.”
Bukhari concluded by saying that Bilawal had previously praised the Punjab Chief Minister’s initiatives in Kasur and that it would have been better if he had worked jointly with the Punjab government on flood relief efforts. “The Punjab government and its team are overcoming crises — this shouldn’t be politicised. Everyone should focus on their own province and responsibilities,” she said.
