Azma hails role of stakeholders in maintaining harmony during Muharram

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the present government has always upheld parliamentary traditions, democratic values and the spirit of tolerance. Addressing the Punjab Assembly, she stated that when her party was in the opposition, its members were not allowed to speak for more than a few minutes, whereas the current government has demonstrated patience by allowing the opposition to express its views. Azma Bokhari said that respect for the Speaker’s Chair is a fundamental parliamentary principle and that the conduct of the Chair should not be challenged. She advised the opposition to move beyond criticism for the sake of criticism and play a constructive role in serving the public. She remarked that had the opposition delivered even one meaningful public welfare initiative during its tenure instead of indulging in political point-scoring and using religion for political mileage, it would have had achievements worth highlighting today. She further stated that Allah entrusts good deeds to whom He wills and leaves others to pursue wrongdoing according to their own choices. Those blessed with the opportunity to serve the people are fulfilling that responsibility, while those committed to negative politics and creating unrest continue on that path. The Provincial Information Minister paid tribute to the ministers, district administration, police, religious scholars, peace committees and all departments that performed their duties during Muharram in Faisalabad. She said they deserved appreciation for working tirelessly to protect lives and property and maintain law and order. Azma Bokhari said that under the special directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, extraordinary measures were taken to ensure peace, foolproof security for processions and religious gatherings.