Some PTI leaders have ‘ties with Indian lobby’: Azma

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said the “Tehreek-e-Boycott” is giving more importance to politics than national security. The PTI has been hijacked by overseas groups and some of its leaders maintain ties with the Indian lobby.

Addressing the media at the Lahore Press Club on Tuesday, she pointed out that international lobbying against Pakistan was ongoing, with certain elements acting as facilitators. She criticised the PTI leadership, saying that even when their leader was the prime minister, he avoided attending national security meetings. She said the PTI’s “terrorist wing” posed a severe threat to national security.

Speaking on the issue of Afghan refugees, she said they should return to their home country as Pakistan could no longer sustain their financial and security burden. She said that certain individuals working on the agenda of Pakistan’s enemies by attempting to spread chaos in the country. She called for strict action against terrorists under the National Action Plan and criticised the former prime minister, claiming that he considered himself above others and deliberately avoided attending national security meetings.

She warned that terrorism was once again re-emerging in Pakistan, necessitating strict counter measures. She described the press club as her second home and assured journalists that resolving their issues, including salary concerns, remained her top priority. She announced that under the Ramazan Relief Package, financial assistance would be provided to three million deserving individuals including journalists.

Discussing the country’s political situation and security challenges, she stated that with the increasing threat of terrorism, all political parties were uniting to ensure the safety of citizens. However, she said that certain elements continued to prioritise their politics over national security, which she called an unfortunate approach. She highlighted that while a National Security Committee meeting was in progress in parliament, one specific party made political boycotts a routine practice. The PTI consistently refused to be part of national consensus in the past and continued with the same approach today.

She praised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, stating that he was always ready to play a positive role and prioritised Pakistan’s interests above all. She condemned the events of May 9 and the social media campaign surrounding the Jaffer Express incident, insisting that terrorists should not be given any leniency. She reaffirmed that protecting Pakistan’s borders was the government’s top priority. She stated that apart from a handful of disruptive elements, the entire nation stood united for the security of the country. Only those seeking to harm Pakistan are questioning national security matters, while patriotic leaders and citizens are ready to make any sacrifice for the country.