LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Sunday took a jibe at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saying his recent visit to Lahore should serve as a lesson in governance and development.

Speaking at a press conference, Bukhari remarked that Gandapur and his cabinet, during what she dubbed a “study tour,” had the opportunity to witness first-hand the visible progress and cleanliness initiatives underway in Punjab. “While traveling through GT Road, they would have seen the clean streets, modern infrastructure, and the work ethic of ‘Suthra Punjab’ staff,” she said.

A Lesson in Clean Governance?

Bukhari offered Gandapur assistance in replicating Punjab’s cleanliness model in Peshawar. “If the Chief Minister wants to learn how to clean Peshawar, we are ready to help,” she said, adding that Punjab’s hospitality was extended to the KP delegation during their visit.

She hoped Gandapur would return home with insights into effective administration and urban planning, noting the contrast between Punjab’s development and the challenges facing KP.

Warning Against Protest Politics

Touching on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s newly announced protest movement, Bukhari made it clear that political engagement would be welcomed—but only within constitutional and peaceful boundaries. “If Gandapur visits Punjab in his capacity as Chief Minister, he is welcome. But if he brings weapons or seeks confrontation, it will not be tolerated,” she warned.

She emphasized that any attempt to incite violence or disrupt public order in Punjab would be met with strict action. “We won’t allow Punjab’s peace and progress to be compromised,” she said.

Criticism of PTI’s Track Record

Bukhari also criticized the PTI’s past governance, accusing the party of squandering its time in power on political vendettas instead of delivering on promises. She mocked what she described as Gandapur’s “90-day plans,” implying the PTI’s protest strategies are designed more to distract than to deliver.

“Imran Khan spent four years in power doing nothing but exacting revenge,” she said, alleging that the former PTI chairman is now seeking concessions behind the scenes. “First they attacked institutions; now they want dialogue with the same people.”

Kashmir Tribute and Call for Responsible Politics

Earlier in the briefing, Bukhari paid homage to the martyrs of Kashmir, reaffirming Punjab’s solidarity with the Kashmiri struggle for freedom.

Concluding her remarks, she called on all political parties to uphold democratic norms and protect national institutions. “Politics should not be about creating chaos. Dialogue is part of democracy, but it must come with responsibility,” she said.

The exchange reflects growing political tensions between the Punjab and KP administrations, with Bukhari’s comments underscoring a sharp divide in governance priorities and political tone between the two provinces.