Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Monday that Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) was not a political party but a fascist group seeking to destabilize the country.
She approached a press conference in Lahore and accused PTI of promoting unrest and undermining national interests.
She claimed that PTI had fled Sambrial and Murideke when choosing fear of public rejection. “This group caused the events on May 9 – an event that must not be forgiven or it will continue to repeat,” she said.
Bokhari emphasized that only the Supreme Court has the authority to impose a ban, but insisted that “to move the country forward, it is important to get rid of this chaos split party”.
Bokhari questioned the political legitimacy of PTI and referred to its alleged role in Guerrilla-style conspiracies. “Is a group leading Geri war and conspirating against Pakistan a political party?” She asked and added, “The terrorist group is not allowed to destroy Pakistan’s law and order.”
Read: PTI Alliance mobilizes for August 5 ‘Power Show’
With reference to PTI’s protest, which was scheduled for August 5, she said no one is ready to assume responsibility for the day. She criticized PTI for calling for processions while being silent for national reasons.
In response to reports of a potential agreement for PTI’s founder to leave the country, Bokhari said: “I’ve heard of the deal, but I don’t know for sure.”
When she turned to foreign affairs, she accused PTI chief Imran of promoting American interests and said, “The Jewish lobby has launched her product; Khan’s foreign American interests.”
She ridiculed Imran’s past attitude towards independence and said, “Are we slaves? Is really freedom promoted through ads? Earlier he asked for freedom from America; now even his son demands freedom.”
“Instead of threatening America, now you have to write on vehicles: ‘Trump, only you are our hope,'” she added mocking.
Bokhari declared that even PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur had recognized Punjab’s development during a visit to Lahore.
She said, “They’re talking about” Final calls, “but their protest movements never materialize – protest calls on November 26 and April 9 were both canceled”.
She confirmed the government’s commitment to national interest and highlighted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s zero-tolerance policy for sugar storage. “Many arrests have been made and the government will take custody of stored sugar from Mills,” she said.
She concluded by claiming that the current government was obliged to protect Pakistan’s welfare and said, “This is a government that protects people’s interests.”
