Azma concerned at ‘unethical’ social media campaign against Maryam

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said in a video statement that an extremely unethical social media campaign is being run against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

She stated that the smear drive is being orchestrated by the “Fitna Party’s” social media brigade, with the involvement of certain absconding YouTubers who claim to be journalists.

Azma Bokhari expressed regret that some members of the journalist community consider these individuals as journalists, adding that such campaigns are a stain on the profession.

She said that whenever action is taken against these so-called journalists, it is portrayed as political victimization and an attempt to curb freedom of expression. In reality, she added, the campaign is being run through various accounts, including those of women.

The minister further stated that this smear campaign against Maryam Nawaz has been ongoing since 2014, and those involved raise serious questions about their professional standards.

She emphasized that responsible journalists cannot post such content from their accounts, and unfortunately, no meaningful action was taken by television channels either.

Azma Bokhari said, “We have much to say as well, but as political leaders, we restrict ourselves to political discourse.” She added that a cheap campaign was also launched against the Chief Minister under the pretext of the use of an official aircraft, but such tactics cannot harm a leadership committed to serving the public.

She highlighted several public welfare initiatives undertaken in Punjab, including the Ramazan Package, electric buses, interest-free business loans under the Asaan Karobar program, the Dhee Rani program, employment opportunities under Suthra Punjab, the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ housing initiative, a Rs200 billion post-flood relief package, and Rs10 billion in assistance for the people of Balochistan.

The minister concluded that the malicious campaign has not only failed to harm Maryam Nawaz but has also exposed the true face of certain elements on social media. She urged the public not to be influenced by unethical propaganda and to stand by the truth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026