Azma Bokhari criticises allocation of K-P funds for Bushra Bibi's security

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has criticised the allocation of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa funds for the security Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan.

Bokhari held a press conference at the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) in Lahore on Saturday, where she addressed several topics, including security arrangements, public health, environmental concerns, and political issues.

Bukhari remarked on the heavy security presence around Bushira Bibi at Zaman Park, stating, "It felt like a festival was taking place," and slammed the allocation of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa funds for her security.

She highlighted the government’s celebration of Diwali, noting that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz celebrated it as a personal event and announced a "minority card" to support unemployed youth. Bokhari stated that an upcoming event on December 20 will further address these issues.

The minister also raised concerns about private hospitals engaging in malpractice and announced plans for a new public hospital, which will have a capacity of 1,000 beds, aimed at providing free treatment to the public.

She mentioned the successful operation of air ambulances for patient transfers and criticized opponents for politicizing sensitive issues.

Addressing environmental issues, Bokhari reported that Lahore is currently facing severe smog, with an air quality index reaching 174.

She attributed some of the pollution to smoke drifting from India and confirmed that over 1,000 individuals have been arrested related to smog-related offenses. She stated that the Chief Minister Punjab will be writing to the Indian counterpart regarding the situation.

On agricultural advancements, Bokhari noted the introduction of super seeders to eliminate the need for crop burning, stating that 1,000 super seeders have already been distributed, with plans to distribute an additional 5,000. She mentioned that the super seeders cost 1.3 million rupees, with farmers contributing 500,000.

Regarding the recent artificial rain experiments, she emphasised that cloud presence is essential for their success. She also discussed the Green Tractor Scheme initiated by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has received over 1.5 million applications.

Bokhari expressed condolences regarding the recent tragic incident in Mastung, condemning terrorism and emphasising the government’s commitment to maintaining order.

She stated that individuals involved in violence will not be tolerated and called for military trials for those implicated in the May 9 incidents.