Azma Bukhari says PPP can’t preach peace while ‘firing verbal shots’

LAHORE: The verbal tug-of-war between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), shows no signs of easing. At the center of this ongoing heated exchange is Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, who has once again strongly reacted to recent statements by PPP leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy and double standards, ARY News reported.

Azma Bukhari, in her response, stated that “on one hand, you talk about a ceasefire, and on the other, you come out every hour firing verbal shots.”

“How can you expect a ceasefire from us when your tongues are spewing flames?”

Taking a jibe at PPP leaders, she added, “Everyone seems to wake up, get ready, and rush in front of microphones just to hurl accusations. You spit fire, use abusive language — and then talk about reconciliation?”

Azma Bukhari further remarked that the PPP often plays the victim card. “When we respond mildly to their constant provocation, they start crying,” she said. “Don’t lecture us on democracy — you haven’t carried its weight on your fragile shoulders.”

She warned that continuous verbal attacks on her party’s leadership would not go unanswered. “If you attack our leadership day and night, do you expect us to greet you with flower garlands?”

Calling for mutual respect, Azma Bukhari said, “It is the magnanimity of our party and leadership that we’ve remained silent despite personal attacks.”

Concluding her remarks, she stated, “Sindh is not the personal estate of any feudal lord, nor is it a ‘Sindhu Desh’ as some of you like to call it on every forum.”

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The development comes amid continued friction between the PPP and the ruling PML-N, following remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz that angered the PPP leadership.

The PPP’s discontent was evident on Monday when its lawmakers staged a walkout from the National Assembly, though government members later persuaded them to return to the House.