LAHORE – Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari is reportedly mulling to step down over tension with Senior Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb.
TV show host Mansoor Ali Khan quoting insider revealed that two ministers are facing tensions over distribution of funds for digital media and interference in the provincial Ministry.
Amid the hard times, Azma reportedly approached CM Maryam Nawaz to reassign her portfolio, claiming that Aurangzeb has been persistently sticking nose in matters. Quoting Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Information Ministry officials, Mansoor claimed Azma is expected to be replaced.
Azma Bukhari is trying to meet with Punjab CM to address her concerns, particularly regarding the alleged bypassing of procedures in allocating Rs. 150 million in digital ads to Channel 7 Pvt. Limited, a company linked to Aurangzeb. Bukhari also voiced her frustration, stating that this situation is damaging both her and Nawaz’s reputations.
She highlighted that two secretaries and two Directors General of Public Relations have already been replaced at Aurangzeb’s insistence, with a third likely next.
Bukhari expressed desire to be reassigned, and there are indications that CM Nawaz might appoint Aurangzeb as the new Information Minister. Meanwhile, Syed Kosar Kazmi, the current government spokesperson, could be promoted to Special Assistant to manage ministry affairs under Aurangzeb.
The conflict started after Marriyum Aurangzeb trying to control digital media funds following the government’s new digital media policy.
Despite pressure from senior minister, officials in DGPR refused to release funds due to lack of proper documentation, leading to increased tensions. After several officials resisted Aurangzeb’s demands, including the removal of Secretary Information Daniyal Gillani and DGPR Rubina Afzal Khan, it was rumored that Aurangzeb was attempting to push the payments through the Industries Department to circumvent DGPR protocols altogether. There were also claims that she received a commission for the ad placements.
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