Punjab’s food prices lowest, claims Azma Bokhari

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the PTI and hypocrisy go hand in hand, adding that after Punjab, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) have also rejected the “Fitna Party.”

She claimed that the local elections in KPK are enough to awaken the PTI. In Punjab, food prices are the lowest compared to other provinces, and there has been a significant reduction in both inflation and crime. She expressed these views during a press conference at the DGPR.

Bokhari highlighted that the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme is the flagship initiative of the Punjab government, providing 1.5 million rupees to those building their homes. She said that Maryam Nawaz not only makes promises but also follows through on them. In Kot Lakhpat, a woman who previously paid Rs23,000 for a one-room rental has now begun constructing her own home. Observing the construction, the chief minister appeared as happy as if it were his own home.

The minister mentioned that a separate department has been established in Punjab to monitor the prices of essential food items around the clock, ensuring the government stays informed about supply and demand.

She said that the chief minister has taught other provinces the importance of “Sasti Roti” for the people. The chief minister personally monitors bidding in markets, resulting in the lowest prices for potatoes, tomatoes, onions, milk, and lentils in Punjab.

Bokhari reported a 43% decrease in crime in Lahore, with motorcycle thefts down by 34%, car thefts by 29%, robberies by 47%, kidnappings by 80%, and murders by 38%.

The minister criticised the “Fitna Party” for calling protests in 26 districts but only attracting 40 to 50 people in 11 districts. “Whenever the ‘Fasad Party’ calls for a protest, they face failure,” she said.

She said that the Punjab government is filing cases against vehicles emitting smoke and those burning crop residues to combat smog. While controlling the winds is challenging, the Punjab government is taking all possible measures to keep the environment clean.

Bokhari said that the PTI has crossed all limits of hypocrisy regarding the 26th Amendment. She pointed out that they were present in the parliamentary committee; if they did not intend to participate, why did they provide their names? She claimed that the Disruption Party withdrew their names under pressure.

Additionally, she mentioned that Maryam Nawaz has allocated Rs54 billion to relieve the people of Punjab from electricity bills. While palm oil prices have increased worldwide, the chief minister has ordered departments to reduce the prices of ghee and palm oil, with positive results expected soon.