Azma defends government's democratic credentials, hails peaceful Muharram

• Information minister says parliamentary traditions and tolerance upheld despite opposition criticism

• Credits CM Maryam's leadership for foolproof security and smooth Ashura arrangements

• Praises law enforcers, civil administration and volunteers for maintaining peace

 LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Saturday said the present government had consistently upheld parliamentary traditions, democratic values and the spirit of tolerance, while highlighting the Punjab government's extensive arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Addressing the Punjab Assembly, Azma Bokhari said that when her party sat in the opposition, its members were not allowed to speak for more than a few minutes. In contrast, she said, the current government had demonstrated democratic maturity and patience by allowing the opposition ample opportunity to express its views.

Punjab once again witnessed a peaceful, dignified and well-managed observance of Muharram-ul-Haram under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The Chief Minister appreciated the unwavering dedication of Punjab Police, district administrations, Rescue 1122, Suthra… pic.twitter.com/1BeetaLeOt

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 27, 2026

She said respect for the Speaker's Chair was a fundamental parliamentary principle and stressed that the authority of the Chair should not be challenged. Advising the opposition to move beyond criticism for the sake of criticism, she urged it to play a constructive role in serving the public.

وزیر اطلاعات و ثقافت پنجاب عظمیٰ بخاری کی پنجاب اسمبلی میں نعرے بازی@AzmaBokhariPMLN pic.twitter.com/hry1eyEV9a

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 27, 2026

Azma Bokhari remarked that had the opposition delivered even a single meaningful public welfare initiative during its tenure instead of engaging in political point-scoring and using religion for political mileage, it would have had achievements worth presenting before the people today.

She further stated that Allah entrusts good deeds to whom He wills, while others choose their own course. Those blessed with the opportunity to serve the people, she said, were fulfilling that responsibility, whereas those committed to negative politics and creating unrest continued on their chosen path.

The provincial information minister also paid tribute to provincial ministers, the district administration, police, religious scholars, peace committees and all departments that discharged their responsibilities during Muharram in Faisalabad. She said they deserved appreciation for working tirelessly to protect lives and property while maintaining law and order.

Azma Bokhari said that, under the special directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, extraordinary measures had been taken to ensure peace, provide foolproof security for processions and religious gatherings, and extend every possible facility to mourners during Muharram. She added that the chief minister personally monitored the situation across Punjab and kept all relevant departments fully mobilised to safeguard public peace.

She made these remarks while addressing a press conference during her visit to Faisalabad's historic Clock Tower Square as part of the Cabinet Committee on Muharram. Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik, Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen, RPO Sohail Akhtar, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, CPO Tanveer Hussain and other senior officials were also present.

During the visit, Azma Bokhari reviewed the central Ashura procession, met organisers and participants, inspected security and administrative arrangements, distributed cold drinking water and sweet beverages among mourners, observed water sprinkling through anti-smog guns along procession routes, and reviewed the medical camp established by the Health Authority along with healthcare facilities provided to mourners.

She said the police, Rescue 1122, district administration and other departments had remained fully active throughout Muharram, while sanitation, traffic management, security and other administrative arrangements were continuously monitored. Mobile phone services were also suspended at sensitive locations to further strengthen security.

Azma Bokhari said the situation remained peaceful and fully under control across Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh. She praised the exemplary cooperation shown by peace committees, religious scholars, procession organisers and citizens, adding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had expressed her gratitude for their collective efforts. She also commended the district administration for effectively implementing the chief minister's vision.

The provincial information minister also visited the Safe City Control and Monitoring Centre, where she reviewed live surveillance of processions and religious gatherings across Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh. She said security monitoring remained continuous, while social media platforms were also closely monitored to prevent the spread of religious hatred and sectarian incitement.

Azma Bokhari said Muharram was a month of reverence, patience, sacrifice and selflessness. She added that the tragedy of Karbala continued to inspire the Muslim Ummah with the timeless values of steadfastness, sacrifice and standing for truth. She urged religious scholars to continue promoting the message of peace, religious harmony, brotherhood and national unity from their pulpits.

Reaffirming the Punjab government's commitment, she said every available resource would continue to be utilised to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, facilitate mourners and ensure lasting peace and public order across the province.