Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari delivered a forceful critique of prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) figures on Thursday, targeting the party’s founder Imran Khan, his son Kasim Khan, and PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari. She accused them of undermining Pakistan’s interests and engaging in activities detrimental to the state.
At a press conference, Bukhari began by addressing Kasim Khan, reminding him that his father is currently incarcerated following a conviction. She questioned whether Kasim recalls how his father treated political adversaries during his tenure as prime minister, alleging that opponents were imprisoned under his administration. She further pointed out that Imran Khan is behind bars on charges related to Toshakhana, including accusations of theft involving a watch.
Turning her attention to Zulfi Bukhari, Azma Bukhari claimed he holds foreign nationality and is actively speaking against Pakistan while participating in harmful activities. She also accused certain individuals of considering themselves above the nation and organizing events that celebrate the possible loss of Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status.
In a significant development, she condemned the imprisoned PTI founder as an authoritarian leader, asserting that meetings and gatherings linked to him are being used to incite unrest. She noted that even Imran Khan’s sisters had previously used such forums to provoke agitation.
Referring to recent events, Bukhari alleged that an incident similar to the May 9 unrest was orchestrated as an economic attack on Pakistan. She questioned whether any country could tolerate such disturbances, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Highlighting positive economic progress, she stated that Pakistan’s exports have risen substantially and that improved policies have secured the GSP+ status until 2027. She claimed that since May 2025, Pakistan has gained a new global stature, with visits from various presidents and prime ministers, alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing foreign trips.
Meanwhile, she accused certain factions of forming alliances against the state, staging dramas on multiple issues, and pushing agendas aimed at coercing the government into unfavorable deals. She strongly criticized these actions as unjustifiable and harmful to national unity.
Azma Bukhari concluded by contrasting the past and present image of Imran Khan, noting that while he was once hailed as a national hero and cricket legend who received substantial public donations, he now raises human rights claims despite alleged corruption. She also remarked on the disparity between the founder’s children enjoying club life while ordinary Pakistani citizens face court proceedings.
