Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb responded sharply to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) rally in Lahore, specifically targeting PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Saturday, she questioned why, despite all roads being open, PTI leaders, including Gandapur, failed to draw significant crowds to the rally.
“Ali Amin said he came to Lahore, but he didn’t come to live; he came for the rally. Today, all the roads were open—so why didn't people come out? Why didn’t they reach Lahore?” Ms Aurangzeb remarked, emphasizing that the people of Punjab, and Pakistan have rejected PTI’s politics.
The minister extended her gratitude to the people of Lahore for not participating in the rally, asserting that the public is now choosing “the politics of relief” over chaos.
She pointed out that PTI workers, who resorted to breaking car windows with bats, are engaging in destructive actions rather than constructive politics. She praised PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz for her leadership, highlighting that she ensured security was provided for the PTI rally despite the political differences.
The minister further criticized Gandapur, suggesting that his slow progress to the rally site was due to a lack of public support. She challenged him to focus on addressing Pakistan’s critical issues, including inflation, which has soared between 40% and 100%.
“If you have a cold, fight it off by working with Maryam Nawaz. Join us in addressing inflation and work towards the development of the country,” Ms Aurangzeb urged, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively working to stabilize the economy.
She went on to say that by condemning PTI’s strategy of inciting unrest, suggesting that their actions are driven by a desire to create chaos rather than contribute to national progress.
