Clean up Karachi’s garbage, Azma tells Sharjeel

LAHORE:Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, issued a strong response to recent remarks made by Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon, stating that Maryam Nawaz has made history as the first-ever woman Chief Minister of Punjab—an achievement that is a matter of national pride.

Azma Bokhari emphasised, ‘Maryam Nawaz has adopted humility and public service as her core principles, which is exactly why she enjoys such widespread popularity. Her leadership and governance style have left an impact not just in Punjab but also among the people of Sindh.’

Azma Bokhari added, ‘Your real problem is that even Sindh’s people are now inspired by Maryam Nawaz’s vision.’

She continued, ‘Those who have enjoyed power for two or three terms but still failed to deliver anything meaningful are the ones filled with arrogance and pride. Their performance has been zero.’

‘Instead of wasting time on bitter statements, compete with Maryam Nawaz through actual results. If you claim to have built a great system in Sindh, then at the very least, start by cleaning up Karachi’s garbage,’ she said. Bokhari stressed that Punjab has its own leadership and custodians who will look after the province’s interests. ‘Those arrogant leaders sitting in Sindh should first have some mercy on their own people,’ she remarked. She further stated that the PMLN has previously established a strong local government system in Punjab and, God willing, will do so again.

In a final pointed comment, Azma Bokhari said, ‘Those political parties that managed to secure only 400 votes from provincial constituencies and barely 50 from union councils—well, their real test is yet to come.’

Azma Bokhari has announced that the provincial government will present a budget for the upcoming fiscal year on June 13. She promised that the budget would be progressive, people-friendly, and tax-free.

She said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had given clear directives to broaden the province’s tax net without imposing any new taxes on the public. Azma highlighted that several flagship initiatives of the Punjab government - including the ‘Suthra Punjab’ campaign, infrastructure development, and the construction of new hospitals - will be key features of the budget. She added that basic facilities would be ensured in all public schools across the province.