Punjab information minister lambasts PTI as 'fascist group'

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not a political party but a fascist group that seeks to destabilise the country.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she accused PTI of promoting unrest and undermining national interests.

She claimed that PTI had fled from the Sambrial and Muridke by-elections out of fear of public rejection. “This group caused the May 9 incidents—an event that must not be forgiven, or it will keep repeating,” she said.

Bokhari stressed that only the Supreme Court holds the authority to impose bans but insisted that “to move the country forward, it is essential to rid ourselves of this chaos-spreading party”.

Bokhari questioned the political legitimacy of PTI, referring to its alleged role in guerrilla-style conspiracies. “Is a group waging guerrilla war and conspiring against Pakistan a political party?” she asked, adding, “The terrorist group will not be allowed to destroy Pakistan’s law and order.”

Read: PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 'power show'

Referring to PTI's protest planned for August 5, she said no one is ready to accept responsibility for the day. She criticised PTI for calling for processions while remaining silent on national causes.

Responding to reports of a potential deal for PTI’s founder to leave the country, Bokhari said, “I’ve heard about the deal, but I don’t know for sure”.

Turning to foreign affairs, she accused PTI chief Imran of advancing American interests, stating, “The Jewish lobby has relaunched its product; Khan promoted American interests”.

She ridiculed Imran's previous stance on independence, saying, “Are we slaves? Is real freedom being promoted through ads? Previously, he asked for freedom from America; now, even his son is demanding freedom”.

“Instead of threatening America, now write on vehicles: ‘Trump, only you are our hope’,” she added mockingly.

Bokhari stated that even PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur had acknowledged Punjab’s development during a visit to Lahore.

She said, “They talk of ‘final calls’, but their protest movements never materialise—protest calls on November 26 and April 9 were both cancelled”.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national interest, highlighting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s zero-tolerance policy on sugar hoarding. “Many arrests have been made, and the government will take custody of stockpiled sugar from mills,” she said.

She concluded by asserting that the current government was committed to protecting Pakistan's welfare, saying, “This is a government that safeguards the interests of the people.”