Azma Bokhari condemns PTI's 'exploitation of Pashtun card'

'Ali Amin Gandapur’s role in provincial peace efforts is disappointing,' says Punjab Information Minister

Listen to article

Punjab's Information Minister Azma Bokhari has condemned the use of the 'Pashtun card' following the 'failure' of the third protest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Pakistan.

She called it "reprehensible" to exploit the ethnic card after political movements fail to gain traction, Express News reported.

In a statement, Bokhari accused PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, of 'manipulating Pashtun children' for their own "nefarious" political goals. "When all other cards have been played, the Pashtun card is being used for ethnic divisiveness," she said.

Bokhari also criticised the handling of the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K- P), describing the province’s deteriorating law and order as "worrying."

She remarked that K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur should have worked to unite all stakeholders to address the province's security issues.

She pointed out that the provincial government's refusal to participate in an All Parties Conference aimed at restoring peace in K-P and Kurram was "shameful."

"A party that has ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 12 years clearly has no interest in peace," Bokhari said.

Referring to Gandapur's actions, Bokhari claimed that he had time and resources to mobilise for attacks on Islamabad, following calls from prisoners in Adiala Jail.

"If Ali Amin Gandapur is not concerned about the future of the province's people, he should resign," she said.

Bokhari further criticised political forces in the country for attacking Pakistan's security forces while they are sacrificing their lives for the nation.

"A party of chaos is running a despicable campaign against the security forces who are laying down their lives for Pakistan," she said.

Finally, Bokhari warned that Gandapur's continued presence in office was a bad omen for the Pashtun community.

"His sitting in that position does not bode well for the Pashtuns," she stated.

Earlier today,an all-parties conference (APC) convened at the Governor House in Peshawar to address the security situation in K-P, including the escalating unrest in the province's Kurram district.

While various political leaders attended, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opted not to participate in the gathering, chaired by K-P's Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

The conference was attended by leaders from the Awami National Party (ANP), National Party, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and other factions, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Engineer Amir Maqam, Maulana Lutfur Rahman, and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP)'s) Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan Sherpao.

Speaking to the media before the conference, Governor Kundi criticised PTI’s absence, accusing the party of fostering division and neglecting the province’s security issues.

“It’s clear from their boycott that they prefer chaos over cooperation. PTI has handed over the province to militants while focusing on Islamabad,” Kundi stated.

The PTI's absence was strongly condemned by several leaders at the conference.

ANP leader Mehmood Khan demanded that the federal government stop discriminating against the Pashtun community in Punjab and criticised PTI for not participating. "PTI should have been here today," he said.

Federal Minister Amir Maqam, belonging to the Pakistan Muslims League - Nawaz (PML-N) added that PTI leaders are quick to mobilise for protests in Islamabad but remain indifferent to the security crisis in K-P.

"They are ready to charge towards Islamabad but not willing to address provincial issues," Maqam said.

The APC was convenved at a time when the security situation in K-P remains tense, particularly in Kurram and other border areas, where ongoing violence has disrupted daily life.