Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari has stated that individuals using Taliban-like tactics in political opposition will be treated accordingly, emphasizing that the government’s restraint is a matter of decency, not incompetence. During a media briefing, she accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of operating a propaganda cell designed to insult others and stressed the urgent need for regulations governing social media to prevent misuse.
Bukhari highlighted a concerning case involving 500 SIM cards issued in the name of a female suspect, which her husband is allegedly using to blackmail and mistreat individuals, contributing to unrest. She asserted that the government does not engage in creating fake accounts and accused PTI leaders of attempting to incite chaos reminiscent of events leading to Bangladesh’s creation.
This statement follows the Punjab government’s imposition of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings for three days across eight cities in response to planned protests by PTI. Bukhari criticized the backlash against government actions, noting that when the Prime Minister takes steps to maintain order, it is often framed as a violation of free speech, which she claims is part of a larger, coordinated plan.
Additionally, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported blocking around 732,000 illegal SIM cards since 2021, but the National Assembly Standing Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the measures taken. The committee has directed the PTA and Nadra chairmen to present a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue of illegal SIM cards, emphasizing the threat they pose to national security. The PTA has assured that strict measures have been implemented to reduce illegal SIM use.
