Lahore, November 20, 2024-Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari issued a strong warning to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead of their planned anti-government protests on November 24, declaring that the government will respond to the demonstrators as it would to terrorists.
Speaking outside the Lahore High Court, Azma criticized PTI’s planned protests, accusing the party of “waging jihad against the state.” She remarked, “They may have plans A and B, but the state has a full A to Z to counter them.”
Azma also accused PTI of misusing public funds, alleging that over Rs. 8.1 million were spent on a rally in Islamabad—funds she argued should have been directed toward public welfare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a recent fake video scandal targeting her, Azma welcomed the Lahore High Court’s decision to reject the bail plea of Muhammad Shafiq, one of the accused. The court observed that such actions significantly harm a woman’s reputation and warrant strict legal consequences.
The minister further called for the regulation of social media in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for enhanced capacity-building within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). She accused PTI of running a propaganda cell to disseminate disinformation and urged the judiciary to adopt a firmer stance against such tactics.
As concerns over potential unrest grow, the Punjab government has vowed to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order during the November 24 protests.
