Lahore Staff Reporter
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has accepted the public debate challenge issued by Sharjeel Memon, saying while she respects him as a coalition partner, it is her responsibility to defend Punjab’s position.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Bukhari said, “Punjab has always acted like the big brother—whenever natural disasters struck other provinces, Punjab stood by them. But when Punjab itself faced a crisis, some chose politics over solidarity.”
She revealed that the provincial cabinet held a meeting earlier in the day to discuss the ongoing flood crisis, which she described as “Punjab’s largest flood in recent history.” She said had the Punjab government not been prepared, the damage would have been far worse. The flood has affected 4.7 million people, yet the loss of life was half that of the 2010 floods due to proactive measures taken across 25 fully-prepared districts. Only two districts faced significant challenges.
Bukhari criticized Nadeem Afzal Chan for holding repeated press conferences and making baseless allegations. “Ask him what he did for flood victims,” she said. “He’s turned into half quail, half partridge—he lacks a clear political identity.”
She also invited Chan and others critical of Punjab to visit Bahawalpur, Multan, Lodhran, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan to witness the ground realities. “Take me to Kashmore, Nawabshah, and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh and show me what you’ve done there,” she challenged.
“I’ve accepted Sharjeel Memon’s debate challenge,” Bukhari declared. “Just name 17 projects from your 17 years in office. Come to Lahore, and I’ll show you around the city so you can compare.”
A Rs. 15,000 salary increase for Civil Defense employees.
17 tehsils being prepped for flood drills and disaster preparedness.
Citizens living in flood-prone zones being advised to relocate their homes outside flood belts — with no compensation promised for those who ignore these warnings.
Over 1.15 million people provided medical aid during the floods.
174 snakebite cases were reported, but no lives were lost.
Distribution of relief cheques will begin from October 17.
Tax exemptions are being granted in all 27 flood-affected districts, where 2,200 teams are currently engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
She dismissed criticism about Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s development initiatives, such as laptop distribution and bus inaugurations, saying the government has numerous active projects, which “clearly bothers some people.”
Taking a jab at critics questioning the 90,000 homes initiative, Bukhari said, “These houses aren’t up for sale — they’re for people in need. Those who can’t do anything themselves are always the loudest complainers.”
With Punjab grappling with a challenging flood situation, Azma Bukhari reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitation, disaster response, and agricultural transformation, while also pushing back strongly against political opponents using the crisis for point-scoring.
