Azma Bukhari
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Sunday strongly denounced the recent wave of violent incidents carried out under the pretext of expressing solidarity with Gaza, warning that such actions are aimed at creating chaos and destabilising the province.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari criticised what she termed as “deliberate attempts” by certain elements to exploit the Palestinian cause for inciting unrest in various cities of Punjab.
She asserted that attacks on local businesses and public property in the name of Gaza solidarity were not only misguided but also detrimental to Pakistan’s own peace and progress.
“Is Gaza really benefiting from this destruction in Pakistan?” she asked. “Those who are setting fires and attacking public infrastructure under the banner of solidarity are neither patriots nor well-wishers of this nation. They stand against peace, stability, and foreign investment in Pakistan.”
Citing recent attacks on multinational food chains and private businesses, the minister revealed that these franchises collectively employ around 25,000 Pakistanis. She lamented that the victims of these violent episodes were all Pakistani nationals, including the deceased. “How can harming fellow Pakistanis be an act of solidarity with Palestinians?” she questioned, urging citizens to reflect on the ethical and religious contradictions in such actions.
Azma Bukhari also hinted at the possible involvement of external forces in fomenting the unrest, stating that “a foreign hand” could be attempting to weaken Pakistan under the guise of Gaza-related demonstrations.
Reaffirming that Islam is a religion of peace, she said, “Our Palestinian brothers and sisters are sacrificing their lives with dignity. They chant Allahu Akbar and remain steadfast in faith—they are not attacking innocent people.”
The minister clarified that the government fully supports peaceful protests and has no objection to legitimate demonstrations. “We ourselves are participating in peaceful rallies to support Gaza,” she added, noting that the government has already sent humanitarian aid to Gaza through eight separate consignments.
She further highlighted the efforts made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to raise the Gaza issue on international platforms, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League.
On the law enforcement front, Bukhari provided a detailed update, stating that 149 individuals have been arrested and 14 FIRs registered across Punjab. The arrests include:
- Lahore: 11 suspects in 3 cases
- Sheikhupura: 71 arrested based on witness accounts
- Gujranwala: 8 arrested in 1 case
- Rawalpindi: 33 arrested in 3 cases
- Multan: 11 arrested in 1 case
- Sahiwal: 6 arrested in 1 case
- Bahawalpur: 7 arrested in 2 cases
- Rahim Yar Khan: 2 arrested in 1 case
- Faisalabad: 1 FIR registered
She concluded with a stern message: “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands—whether under religious, political, or humanitarian pretenses. The rule of law will prevail.”
