Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has called on Punjab Governor Saleem Haider Khan to refrain from meddling in the province’s administrative affairs and avoid acting like an opposition figure, specifically likening his behavior to that of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
The governor has been critical of several provincial initiatives, including the public-private partnership for government schools and the process of appointing university vice-chancellors. During a meeting with students, the governor praised the Sindh government for allocating three times more funds to education and health than Punjab.
Earlier, the governor had also criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the appointment of the top judge and the defamation law passed by Punjab earlier this year.
In response, Bokhari reminded the governor that his role is limited to representing the federation and does not extend to administrative affairs. She further emphasized that Maryam Nawaz is well-equipped to manage Punjab’s governance.
Bokhari also criticized the education system in Sindh, claiming it was outdated and riddled with issues such as schools being used to shelter animals, widespread cheating in exams, and the sale of entire exam centers. According to her, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has governed Sindh for 16 years, yet its education system remains stuck in the 19th century. She pointed out that Punjab boasts the highest literacy rates in seven districts, while many areas in Sindh are still without schools, often plagued by ghost employees and students.
She asserted that, apart from Karachi and Hyderabad, Sindh’s literacy rate is nearly “zero.” Bokhari further highlighted that due to improvements in Punjab’s education sector, students from government schools are consistently securing top positions in board exams. She also referenced recent incidents during the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) in Sindh that drew national attention.
