CM believes in action, service: Azma

LAHORE : Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz believes in action and service.

The minister said in less than a year, work has started on 80 different projects.

“What governments cannot achieve in five years, we are accomplishing in just a few months,” she noted.

The minister criticised the opposition for politicising every issue, stating, “Governments should focus on work, not chaos. My chief minister believes in action and service.”

The minister Azma Bokhari has announced that she has handed over the demarcation and possession letters to the affected allottees of block F in Journalist Housing Society.

She said, “It is great time for me that I am working for the welfare of journalists. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will soon come to the Press Club to distribute plots to journalists. For any matter related to journalists, the CM never denies me,” she stated.

“For me, all reporters and cameramen are equal, and I have fought for plots for cameramen. The grant specifically for journalists has been significantly increased, and all existing applications for the grant have been approved.

“May Allah strengthen Punjab's treasury so I can do even more for journalists,” she expressed these views at the "Meet the Press" event at Lahore Press Club.

“I am fortunate to have Maryam Nawaz as my leader. The CM is always quick to agree on matters concerning journalists' welfare. She wanted to personally present a check of 50 million rupees for journalists at the Press Club, but she will be visiting soon to distribute the plots.

Applications for this new scheme will be solicited shortly, which will also include a quota for employees of DGPR, Radio Pakistan, PTV, and APP,” she said. Reflecting on past protests outside the Lahore Press Club, she said, “I always thought that whenever I got the opportunity, I would do something for journalists. Today, I have that opportunity, and I brought the demarcation letter for affected allottees of Block F. Many ministers have failed to accomplish this despite big claims.” She mentioned various initiatives taken by the Punjab government for farmers, including subsidies on agricultural equipment and the provision of modern equipment for poor farmers.

“Once, patients and their families protested outside the Lahore Press Club due to a halt in free medicine, but now everyone receives free medicines at their doorstep,” she remarked.

She also noted that Arshad Ansari has effectively utilised the grant from the CN by installing a solar system in Lahore Press Club.

“I propose that this club be turned into a family club; if the Culture Department requires any assistance, I am ready to help,” she added.

Additionally, she stated that CM Punjab will announce scheme of electric bikes for female journalists. Applications for Phase Two will be scrutinised on merit, and members of the Press Club whose lists we have received will not need to reapply.

Azma Bokhari expressed her desire for each divisional headquarters to have its own colony for journalists by the end of their five-year term.

“I support the implementation of the Wage Board Award and will always advocate for it. I urge media owners to ensure the minimum wage is provided to media workers and not delay salaries,” she concluded.

Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari remarked, “Information Minister Azma Bokhari is not just a minister for us; she is like a sister. Whether in government or opposition, her attitude has always been the same. Her efforts for the press club and the rights of journalists are unparalleled. We are also extremely grateful to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for granting 50 million rupees to the Lahore Press Club.”

He condemned the false allegations against Azma Bokhari regarding threatening journalists, stating that her work as a minister is commendable. Information Secretary Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani was also present at the event.