Latest news with #AzmaBukhari
AFP
10 hours ago
- AFP
Baseless hoax of ban on Pakistani wedding tradition spreads online
"A ban has been placed on throwing currency notes during weddings. Bridegroom will be arrested on violation of this ban," reads an Urdu-language Facebook post published April 13, 2025. The post refers to a common wedding where the groom's entourage tosses money over their wedding guests. Image Screenshot taken June 13, 2025 of the false Facebook post, with a red X added by AFP Similar posts with the same false claim surfaced on TikTok and Threads. Some social media posts have portrayed the tradition as overly extravagant, highlighting cases in which large sums of foreign currency or even mobile phones are showered on crowds (archived link). But AFP found no credible reports about an official ban on the wedding tradition. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari told AFP on June 12 that the government had not prohibited the wedding custom (archived link). "No such order has been issued to ban giving away of money or throwing of currency notes during wedding ceremonies," Bukhari said. "These are all baseless rumours." Tauseef Sabih Gondal, director of public relations for Punjab Home Department, told AFP on June 24: "It's a fake news. No such notification has been issued." Gondal said police have also informed the Home Department that they have not received any instructions on a purported ban, adding that the police have not made any related arrests. A Punjab Police spokesman confirmed to AFP on June 23 that "no such instructions have been received."
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Attack against India designed by Nawaz Sharif': Pakistan minister's big claim
A senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has claimed that the recent military operation against India was conceptualized and designed under the direct supervision of the party's president and former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif. Azma Bukhari, the Information Minister of Punjab province, made the claim during a press conference on Wednesday, stating that Nawaz Sharif played a pivotal role in orchestrating Pakistan's response to India's recent strikes. 'The whole operation against India was designed under the supervision of former prime minister and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif,' Bukhari said. 'He is not a leader of 'a, b, c, d type'; his work speaks for itself.' The comments come just days after Pakistan and India reached an understanding to de-escalate tensions following four days of intense cross-border exchanges involving drone and missile strikes. The hostilities were triggered after India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In response, Pakistan unsuccessfully tried to strike Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. Despite his reported role in the military response, Nawaz Sharif has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to Indo-Pak tensions. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, he stated, 'Pakistan is a peace-loving country and prefers peace, but also knows how to defend itself.' The veteran politician, who served as Pakistan's prime minister three times and was in office during the 1999 Kargil conflict, also extended his congratulations to the country's leadership after the recent ceasefire agreement. 'Thanks be to Allah Almighty for making Pakistan proud. I congratulate the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sindhu, and the armed forces of Pakistan,' Nawaz wrote.
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab culture festival
Culture and traditions are the true identity of any nation in the world. Those who remain connected to their roots and heritage continue to be remembered in history, and their distinct identity endures. Nations that abandon their cultural values and traditions eventually lose their essence and recognition. Maryam Nawaz, who made history by becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab, has initiated more than 80 development and welfare projects within just a year of her tenure. Many of these initiatives are unprecedented in Punjab's history. Under the aegis of the Punjab Government's Information and Culture Department, the Punjab Culture Festival was organised for the first time on such a grand scale and with unmatched enthusiasm, setting a new precedent in the province's cultural narrative. Since Azma Bukhari assumed the additional responsibility of Culture Minister, the cultural landscape of Punjab has transformed significantly. Although Punjabi Culture Day is traditionally celebrated on March 14, this year it was postponed by a month to express solidarity with the victims of the tragic attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan. Subsequently, on April 17, a magnificent Punjab Culture Festival was held at Alhamra Hall, Lahore, under the patronage of the Information and Culture Ministry. The three-day event brought the vibrant colors and distinct traditions of Punjab's regional cultures to life, captivating audiences from across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the festivities, beginning with the opening of a cultural art exhibition at the Ustad Allah Bakhsh Gallery in Alhamra. Chairman Alhamra, Razi Ahmed, guided the Chief Minister through the gallery, where iconic artworks depicted the essence of Punjab's cultural heritage. The exhibition featured pieces by renowned artists including Allah Bakhsh, Ghulam Mustafa, Zulfi, Shehla Farooq, and others. Impressed by the curation, the Chief Minister praised the exhibit and expressed deep interest in restoring the galleries to meet international standards, making them fitting venues for future exhibitions. The visual displays celebrated Punjab's customs and traditions through evocative imagery. Following the exhibition, Maryam Nawaz proceeded to the Burney Garden, the venue for the main festivities. She visited various cultural stalls representing different divisions of Punjab, each showcasing unique elements of their local heritage. The Chief Minister expressed delight and surprise at the beauty and scale of craftsmanship on display, remarking on the richness of Punjab's local industries. Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari, along with Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, welcomed the Chief Minister at the venue. The festival featured traditional performances, including the dholchi (drummers) and bhangra dancers, which earned rousing applause from the audience. Maryam Nawaz personally commended a female dholchi artist, calling her onstage and appreciating her talent. Famed Punjabi singer Naseebo Lal performed her hit song 'Jhoom Jhoom,' energizing the crowd. At one point, both Maryam Nawaz and Naseebo Lal found themselves on stage simultaneously. In a gracious gesture of humility, the Chief Minister stepped down, inviting Naseebo Lal to perform first. In response, the singer offered to delay her performance until after the Chief Minister's address, but Maryam Nawaz insisted she sing first, exemplifying her respect for artists. In her address, the Chief Minister expressed profound love for Punjab's land, people, music, culture, and traditions. 'I am a patriotic Pakistani. During my exile, I would often cry reminiscing the scent of Punjab's soil during the rain,' she shared. She encouraged youth to learn English, but proudly speak Punjabi as it is intrinsic to their identity. 'Punjab and Punjabi are who we are. We can never forget that. The Punjabi bhangra is unparalleled anywhere in the world,' she said. She commended Azma Bukhari for the outstanding execution of the festival and highlighted the global recognition of Punjab's artists. 'I am overjoyed to be among those artists whose performances I grew up watching on television. These individuals are our national treasures,' she said. Azma Bukhari in her speech highlighted the richness of Punjab's soil, stating, 'This land yields gold. Its people are filled with warmth and affection. Punjab's culture has an irresistible sweetness that draws people in. It is the land of Sufi saints—Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Sultan Bahu—whose poetry still touches hearts centuries later.' She emphasized the distinct traditions and specialties of each region: Lahore's famous cuisine, Kasur's falooda, Eminabad's barfi, Multan's sohan halwa, Chakwal's rewarian — all are hallmarks of Punjab's unique identity. The successful organisation of the festival was credited to the tireless efforts of Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Kazmi, and Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed. Punjab Arts Council Executive Director Tanveer Majid also played a pivotal role in arranging stalls from all divisions, which were well received by attendees. Secretary Hamdani broke protocol by attending the festival in traditional shalwar kameez, while ED Alhamra Tauqeer Kazmi stood out in a traditional pag (turban) and lacha (dhoti), embodying Punjab's cultural attire. The festival saw distinguished participation from international dignitaries, including H.E. Daniel Arsenault, Acting High Commissioner of Canada; Zhou Shiren, Consul General of China; Durmus Bastug, Consul General of Turkey; Ben Warrington, Head of British High Commission Lahore; and Fabrice Didier, Director at the French Consulate. British High Commission's Lahore head Ben Warrington expressed admiration for Punjab's culture: 'Though I've only recently been posted to Lahore, I am deeply impressed by Punjabi music, culture, and bhangra. Today, I wore a Punjabi pag (Kula) for the first time — it felt like I've become an honorary Punjabi.' The festival also hosted a Punjabi Literary Baithak, featuring intellectuals such as Dr. Sughra Sadaf, Nain Sukh, Fauzia Ishaq, and Saeed Bhutta. Moderated by Shaista Nazhat, the discussion centered on the significance of promoting Punjabi culture and heritage. The scholars also condemned the targeted killings of Punjabis in Balochistan based on their identity cards and openly criticized Sindh's opposition to the canal project. A special theatrical performance of the legendary Punjabi tale Heer Ranjha was staged and met with overwhelming applause, with audiences praising the cast for their powerful acting. The musical lineup included performances by Zeeshan Rokhri, Nadeem Abbas Lonewala, Sanam Marvi, Somia Khan, and Jameel Lohar, all of whom captivated audiences with their soulful renditions. One of the festival's biggest highlights was Minister Azma Bukhari's decision to make the entire event free and open to the public. No tickets were issued, allowing over 10,000 people to attend across three days—setting a new attendance record in Alhamra's history. The massive public turnout proved that people are weary of unrest, violence, and negativity—they now seek joy, cultural celebration, and meaningful experiences. Azma Bukhari's mission is to promote Punjab's heritage and traditions, and the grand success of the Punjab Culture Festival is a shining testament to that vision. Cultural figures and intellectuals from across the province lauded both Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Minister Azma Bukhari for their extraordinary efforts in organizing such a remarkable event. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N, PPP lock horns over Indus canals
A fresh war of words erupted between Punjab and Sindh ministers on Saturday, as tensions simmered over the federal government's controversial canals project - just a day after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari denounced the scheme as "unilateral". Speaking to the media in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari hit back at Bilawal, saying his rally rhetoric offered no real solution. "If he can make time to huddle with the federal government over provincial budgets," she quipped, "then he should also roll up his sleeves to address the canal issue." Doubling down, Bukhari pointed out that the project had already crossed the red tape with presidential consent. "It is documented, it is signed," she stressed, making it clear that the groundwork had official backing. Accusing the PPP of playing politics with water, she called the move "unfortunate" and questioned Bilawal's choice of stage. "Bilawal Bhutto shouldn't be speaking about water solutions while standing at rallies," she said. "Before making accusations, check the facts. This is canal politics," she asserted. Sindh ministers Meanwhile, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro responded strongly to Bukhari's remarks regarding the controversial canal projects. Speaking to reporters in Karachi, Shoro said, "We are not politicising the issue. The people of Sindh and the PPP have one position: No to the controversial canals. Sindh's people are protesting, and you call it politics?" He said Bilawal had warned the federal government that if the decision was not reversed, PPP would stand with the people, not with Shehbaz Sharif. "Azma Bukhari doesn't even understand the ABC of the water issue. Instead of defending the project, the PML-N should bury it permanently," he said. Shoro said that Sindh was facing acute water shortages, not just for agriculture, but also for drinking water. "Our lands are barren, our farmers worried, and our livestock thirsty." He urged PM Shehbaz Sharif to reject the controversial canal projects outright and called for an immediate meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to permanently shelve the plan. "If the PM does not end this project, the PPP will go to any extent with the people of Sindh to stop it. The entire irrigation system of Sindh depends on the Indus River," he said. Similarly, reacting to the Punjab minister's remarks, Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon questioned her understanding of the president's constitutional powers. "Have you [Bokhari] read the Constitution? Do you know how to read the Constitution?" Memon said sharply during a media talk in Karachi. He further questioned where it was stated in the Constitution that the president had the authority to approve such development projects. "If the federal government has sent it to the president for approval, then that was an incompetent step," he added. "It is not his mandate, we are tired of telling you this a 100 times," Memon said, stressing that the federal government had not followed the correct procedural route. "If you have the documents of approval, then you should be able to bring the fabricated minutes of the meeting," he continued. Addressing the perception that the PPP had not publicly stated its intention to leave the coalition government if its concerns were not addressed, Memon responded, "When did we say we would announce it on somebody's behest?" "He [Bilawal] said we are with the people, we are not with the Shehbaz government," Memon said, quoting the PPP chairman. The Green Pakistan Initiative, with an estimated cost of $3.3 billion, aims to construct six canals to irrigate 1.2 million acres of arid land in southern Punjab. However, the project has met growing resistance - first from Sindhi nationalist groups and now from the PPP itself. Five of the canals are planned on the Indus River, while the sixth will be built along the Sutlej River, intended to supply around 4,120 cusecs of water to the Cholistan desert region in Punjab. 'Chaos party' During her talk in Lahore, Bukhari also took a swipe at political opponents, especially PTI, saying, "The YouTubers and the chaos party can't stomach Pakistan's relief. Those who had ties with IPPs and power companies are now making noise." She added that Punjab's government was grateful to PM Shehbaz for containing the sharp rise in electricity bills. "The season of good news has begun, and those who once wrote letters to the IMF are the ones disturbed by this progress," Bukhari said in a veiled reference to PTI. She accused past PTI policies of attempting to derail the IMF programme and "turn the country into Sri Lanka," a plan she said Shehbaz Sharif successfully foiled. Turning her guns towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Bukhari said, "K-P's massive corruption is no secret, even their own leaders are telling the stories. The YouTubers and media can't ignore the circus of 'chor chor'". She questioned CM K-P Ali Amin Gandapur's declaration of Rs100 million income while claiming he spent Rs750 million on the party. "Were those illegal funds used for party work?" she asked. She alleged Rs8.66 billion worth of damage to forests in Chitral, and said KP lacked schools and medicines. "Records show the K-P health department purchased Rs20.8 million worth of gloves, yet they're missing from hospitals. Rs130 million was spent by district health hospitals with no record of it," she said. She also accused the K-P government of massive corruption in wheat procurement and alleged that Rs2 billion were disbursed to party workers under the guise of mosque funds. She claimed that Gandapur's position as CM is in danger as "his own party calls him corrupt". She rejected the notion that a party's internal committee could audit misuse of public funds, stressing only NAB or relevant authorities can do so. "Their own leaders, including Swati, Junaid Akbar and Asad Qaiser, are talking about each other's corruption. Who will answer for it?" she asked. Bukhari demanded the federal government account for Rs600 billion meant for law and order. "There's no CTD in K-P. Don't issue threatswe're not afraid. First show where the money went before talking NFC," she said.
Express Tribune
12-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab sets sugar limit of 5kg per ID card for Ramadan
Listen to article The Punjab government is offering 5 kilograms of sugar per ID card for one month at a rate of Rs130 per kilogram in the Ramadan relief bazaars set up across the province. However, Punjab government's Ramadan relief initiative has come under fire for limiting sugar distribution to just five kilograms per ID card, a move that residents argue is insufficient for larger families during Ramadan. The system, which tracks purchases through ID card registrations, is aimed at preventing multiple transactions. However, many argue that the five-kilogram limit is too low to meet the needs of an average household during the holy month of Ramadan. Arif Gujjar, President of the Kiryana Merchant Association, criticised the rising sugar prices, noting that sugar costs Rs170 per kilogram in the open market. He warned that the price may rise further due to cartel-like practices among sugar mills and dealers. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari defended the government's move, stating that 80 Ramadan bazaars were set up across the province, with 10 in Lahore, ensuring sugar is sold at the subsidised rate of Rs130 per kilogram. She said the goal was to provide relief during the holy month. For those needing more sugar, model bazaars offer it at Rs140 per kilogram, but with no restrictions on quantity.
