LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari said the people of Azad Kashmir rejected politics of chaos by coming out in large numbers to vote.
“The opposition has nothing to show the public in terms of performance and is therefore relying on baseless allegations and negative politics,” Azma said, adding, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab’s effective pre-monsoon planning, modern infrastructure and timely government measures ensured relief for citizens despite record rainfall, with no prolonged water accumulation reported anywhere in the province.”
Addressing a press conference at the DGPR, Azma Bokhari said those who have no performance to present resort only to accusations and criticise every positive initiative of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). She urged political opponents to seek votes on the basis of their own performance instead of making allegations.
She said the people of Azad Kashmir rejected calls by disruptive elements and turned out in large numbers to cast their votes, with long queues witnessed at polling stations. She added that those who had been making statements against election rigging had themselves resorted to allegations of rigging out of fear of defeat.
The Minister said the people of Azad Kashmir are closely observing the performance of the Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab government and also want initiatives such as the Suthra Punjab programme, electric buses, the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, the Laptop Scheme, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, the Asaan Karobar Programme and youth skill development initiatives in their own region. She said not only Kashmir but people across Pakistan aspire to the level of development and governance being witnessed in Punjab.
Azma Bokhari said the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif needs no official office or designation. Just as he continues to guide Punjab’s affairs, he will also extend guidance and support to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. She said the Pakistan Muslim League (N) sought votes in Azad Kashmir on the basis of its performance and manifesto rather than political allegations.
She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had directed all precautionary measures to be completed well before the monsoon season. Under this comprehensive plan, 342 wet wells were desilted, while 659,000 tonnes of silt and solid waste were removed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of rainwater.
The Minister said that for the first time, a Central Digital Control Room was established where the PDMA, Safe City Authority, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments conducted 24-hour real-time monitoring. She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally monitored the evolving situation and continuously received reports on water levels and drainage operations across the province.
Highlighting Punjab’s urban infrastructure projects, Azma Bokhari said work is underway under the Rs204 billion Punjab Development Programme on 265 kilometres of new sewerage lines, 189 kilometres of water drains, 27 new disposal stations, the upgradation of 59 disposal stations and the rehabilitation of 750 kilometres of roads, describing it as the largest urban infrastructure programme in Punjab’s history.
She said this year’s rainfall exceeded that of previous years, yet no prolonged waterlogging occurred anywhere in Punjab and drainage operations were completed in record time. In several cities, water clearance time was reduced by nearly three times, with Lahore, Sahiwal, Okara and Sargodha among the cities showing significant improvement.
The Minister said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has equipped WASA with modern machinery that is operational across all districts and can be shifted from one district to another whenever required. She added that never before has such a large fleet of modern machinery been deployed in Punjab. She further said that on the Chief Minister’s directions, rivers, barrages and dams are under continuous surveillance, drone technology is being utilised, and flood control rooms have been established in every district to ensure an immediate response to any emergency.
Azma Bokhari said underpasses were cleared of rainwater within hours despite continuous rainfall, with drainage operations continuing even while it was raining. She noted that unlike previous years, authorities no longer wait for rainfall to stop before beginning drainage operations.
She added that under the Chief Minister’s Beautification Programme, overhead electricity wires are being shifted underground in phases to provide citizens with a safer urban environment.
Appealing to citizens, she urged them to adopt precautionary measures during the ongoing monsoon season, keep children under supervision, avoid low-lying areas and electricity poles, and stay away from unsafe buildings and dilapidated rooftops. She said the administration has also been directed to continuously monitor structurally weak buildings.
She said financial assistance is also being provided under the ‘Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat’ for the repair and reconstruction of vulnerable houses and for the construction of additional floors to improve public safety.
Responding to a social media statement by Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon, Azma Bokhari said his post was contrary to the facts and ultimately proved embarrassing because it used outdated videos rather than reflecting the current situation in Punjab. She said the ground reality and the public themselves are testifying to the effectiveness of the Punjab government’s measures.
Replying to journalists’ questions, the Punjab Information Minister said all necessary arrangements have been completed for the monsoon season, rainfall and the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). She said the Punjab government will provide every possible facility to pilgrims, while WASA and all relevant departments will remain fully active. She added that the exemplary arrangements made during Muharram on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif were widely appreciated by organisers and the public, and similar preparations have been finalised for Chehlum.
Responding to a question regarding the Green Bus project, she said if the scheme truly belonged to previous governments, it should have been implemented years ago. Instead, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Green Buses have been introduced across Punjab within just 18 months. She added that Punjab’s development initiatives are now being appreciated by other provinces, where people are comparing the performance of their own governments with Punjab.
Answering another question, Azma Bokhari said Nawaz Sharif requires no introduction through any office or title, as his political stature and public service speak for themselves. She said he has always maintained a strong bond with the people of Kashmir and wishes to serve them with the same commitment with which he continues to guide Punjab.
Responding to a question on drainage operations, she said WASA teams remained active in the field despite five hours of continuous rainfall. She added that if negligence or shortcomings are identified anywhere, the responsible officials will be held accountable.
When asked about the gathering held on the birthday of former President Asif Ali Zardari, Azma Bokhari said she had already made her position clear and believed that the manner in which the event was organised amounted to disrespect towards him.
Regarding delays in development projects, she said the prevailing war-like situation had created cost-related and logistical challenges for some contractors, causing delays in a few schemes. However, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed all relevant departments to ensure that pending projects are completed as early as possible.
Concluding, Azma Bokhari said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s public welfare initiatives—particularly the Laptop Scheme, scholarships and other social programmes—are being appreciated not only in Punjab but also by students and citizens in other provinces, many of whom have expressed a desire to benefit from similar initiatives. She added that the Green Bus project is also being expanded across all districts in phases.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026