Azma Bukhari and Marriyum Aurangzeb, two prominent Punjab ministers, have taken to social media to condemn what they perceive as a smear campaign targeting the provincial leadership by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a statement posted on X, Azma Bukhari criticized PTI for allegedly running an online campaign aimed at Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She described this campaign as “toxic,” highlighting how certain social media users have revealed their background and mentality through their posts.
Bukhari also shared content from PTI’s accounts that she deemed critical of her colleagues, urging media professionals and human rights activists to pay attention. Her statement emphasized the necessity for a clear stance against such negativity in public discourse.
Meanwhile, Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned PTI members and supporters for spreading “filth” on both social media and mainstream platforms. She alleged that these individuals were orchestrating a smear campaign specifically aimed at her chief minister colleague, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Aurangzeb implored national media outlets to distance themselves from what she termed as politically motivated entities. She further emphasized that legal action against defamatory campaigns is often misrepresented as an infringement on freedom of expression. Aurangzeb argued that silence in response to character assassination diminishes the credibility and integrity of the media.
Both Azma Bukhari and Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the urgent need for robust responses from the public and press, asserting that the current climate risks undermining both societal trust and journalistic independence.