LAHORE — Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari has described the agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a major achievement.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their roles in strengthening Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
She said the agreement has attracted international attention toward Pakistan.
Punjab Expands Clean Water Program
Bukhari also highlighted the Punjab government’s efforts to provide clean drinking water in remote areas.
She said many residents in distant parts of the province previously traveled long distances to obtain water.
According to the minister, many communities still lack access to safe drinking water.
She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a program to address the problem.
The program aims to deliver bottled drinking water directly to households in areas without reliable access to clean water.
More Read
Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushab Among First Areas
Bukhari said the government has started the program in Dera Ghazi Khan, Khushab and several other areas.
She described the initiative as particularly important for families who previously traveled long distances to collect water.
The minister said the government has already distributed 44,582 bottles.
She added that around 284,000 people are benefiting from the program.
Bukhari said the initiative would help reduce the hardship that residents have faced for decades.
Minister Defends Lahore’s Security Record
Bukhari also discussed the political situation in Punjab and Sindh.
She criticized Pakistan Peoples Party leaders and accused them of trying to create political unrest in Punjab.
The minister said international publications have compared Lahore with other major cities and highlighted its security situation.
She also discussed several criminal cases and said authorities had taken action in response to incidents involving children.
Bukhari said the DIG Operations suspended an entire police station following an incident involving a girl with disabilities in Lahore.
She added that authorities would impose whatever punishment the law requires in cases involving the deaths of two girls.
Bukhari Criticizes Sindh Government
The Punjab information minister also criticized the Sindh government over public services and development.
She referred to recent cases involving young children in Karachi and questioned the province’s performance in health and other public services.
Bukhari said she would present details about developments in Sindh’s hospitals during her next press conference.
She also referred to comments by MQM leader Wasim Akhtar about development in Karachi.
Minister Responds to Election Criticism
Bukhari also criticized opposition figures who have raised concerns about elections in Azad Kashmir.
She questioned why opposition leaders criticized the election process in areas where the Pakistan Peoples Party won seats.
She said the same election authorities oversaw constituencies where the PPP won.
Bukhari also claimed that opposition parties were struggling to attract people to their political gatherings.
She rejected what she described as unsolicited political advice from opposition leaders.
Bukhari Rejects Claims About Imran Khan’s Health
The Punjab minister also addressed reports about the health and detention conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
She criticized social media campaigns that claim Khan faces a serious threat to his life.
Bukhari rejected those claims and said Khan receives regular medical examinations.
She also said medical records exist and that authorities monitor his health.
Bukhari disputed claims that Khan remains completely isolated from other prisoners.
She also defended the arrangements for his meals and medical care in prison.
PTI Long March and September 27 Call
Bukhari also criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its planned September 27 political mobilization.
She claimed PTI leaders had acknowledged difficulties in gathering the required number of supporters.
She accused the party of misleading the public and urged its supporters to consider the potential consequences for their families.
The minister’s comments come amid rising political tensions between the federal government, Punjab authorities and opposition parties.
Her remarks also reflect the wider political dispute surrounding the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye agreement, PTI’s political activities and competing claims over governance in Punjab and Sindh
