PTI founder begging for NRO since day one: Azma

LAHORE : Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari Saturday accused the PTI chief of begging for an NRO since day one, but no one is willing to listen to him.

Addressing an inauguration of an electricity equipment installation ceremony at the Journalists Housing Scheme’s F-Block, the minister said the nation's interests align with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that is taking practical steps to solve public issues and promote investment.

She said Journalists Housing Scheme’s phase II is a continuation of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" programme. She said basic facilities such as water and electricity will be provided in the colony at a cost of Rs 360 million.

She said solar backup at the Lahore Press Club will be enhanced, while the canteen, insurance, and subsidy schemes will also be improved. During her conversation with reporters, she considered herself part of the journalist community and said she would take every possible step for their welfare. The minister said under the RUDA project, work is underway to give state-of-the-art houses to journalists in phase-2 scheme.

She said the government will allot land directly to journalists and they will pay only nominal development charges. She said May 9 incident was not in the nation’s interest and the PML-N leadership is taking practical steps to attract investment and address the problems of the underprivileged.

She said Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan and internal and external conspiracies will be foiled. She said any politician supporting terrorists does not deserve to be called a politician. She said there would be no restriction on wheat transportation and the Punjab government would protect farmers’ interests and any increase in bread prices would be halted. Punjab Information Secretary Syed Tahir Hamdani said the dream of a Journalist Colony is now becoming a reality. He emphasized that the government maintains a strong relationship with the journalist community, and development projects are being completed through mutual cooperation.

Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari said the journalist community wants Maryam Nawaz personally inaugurates Phase II.