Key Takeaways
- Punjab Minister Azma Bokhari criticized the issuance of mineral licences in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- She alleged that some licences benefited family interests and called for strict action against irregularities.
- The minister urged journalists to verify facts before reporting on the provincial government’s performance.
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has expressed concern over the issuance of mineral licences in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that 422 licences were issued up to 2010, while reports suggest that over 4,200 licences were issued between 2013 and 2024.
She alleged that certain mineral-related arrangements had benefited family interests and family-owned companies, and that strict action had been taken against irregularities involving mineral licences along the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, resulting in the cancellation of several licences.
Bokhari criticized Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s stance, saying that political parties that had suffered from terrorism should adopt a clear and unequivocal position against it. She added that national interest and love for the country must take precedence over political affiliations.
The minister also raised questions about the law and order situation in Punjab, stating that claims about it should be based on verified statistics. She alleged that political hostility towards Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was being used to cast doubt on the provincial government’s performance.
Bokhari highlighted the provincial government’s development agenda, emphasizing the creation of new investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock, skills development, and exports. She mentioned that a development programme for 2026–2030 focused on strengthening agriculture and livestock, with an anticipated investment of approximately Rs2 trillion.
More than 46 investors had expressed interest in the programme, which was expected to generate over 150,000 employment opportunities. The minister said Pakistani products had a strong presence in international markets, but goods manufactured in Pakistan had often been sold abroad under foreign brands. She added that efforts were being made to promote Pakistani products under their own national identity through the Made in Pakistan initiative.
Bokhari also mentioned that measures were under way to establish fan-testing facilities in Pakistan and to promote pink salt exports under Pakistan’s own identity. She emphasized the importance of skills development to improve employment opportunities for young people, through facilitation by the Pakistan Skills Development.
In conclusion, Bokhari urged journalists to verify facts before reporting or broadcasting claims, highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
National interest and love for the country, she added, must take precedence over political affiliations.
Azma Bokhari, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture
Claims about the law and order situation in Punjab should be based on verified statistics.
Azma Bokhari, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture
