LAHORE: The Punjab government is introducing a new law to plan and determine effective methods for spreading awareness about its projects, initiatives, and policies.
According to the newspaper report, the aim is to ensure public access to information, promote public participation, and enhance transparency through a clear framework for government advertisements and communication.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari presented the Punjab Public Awareness and Dissemination of Information Bill 2025 in the provincial assembly. Chairperson Samiullah Khan referred the bill to a committee for review and asked for a report within one month.
According to the bill, all awareness campaigns launched by the government or public bodies since January 1, 2024, will be considered valid. The bill also gives the government the authority to name, rename, or change the name of any public project.
Azma Bokhari Defends Bill, Denies Media Gag
Responding to criticism, Azma Bokhari clarified that the bill is not aimed at stopping people or journalists from questioning the government’s spending. She said, “This is a simple bill to allow the government to inform the public about its work and projects.”
She defended the use of pictures of political leaders like CM Maryam Nawaz in awareness campaigns, saying, “If the Chief Minister has taken an initiative and spent billions, her picture can be used. This is a political government.”
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Azma also rejected claims that the government spent billions on media supplements. “The cost didn’t even reach Rs1 billion,” she said, calling the criticism political propaganda.
Highlights of the Draft Law
The bill allows the government and public bodies to launch awareness campaigns using billboards, TV, radio, print, cinema, digital, and other platforms. The campaigns can also include famous personalities like athletes, celebrities, or scholars.
The campaigns can cover:
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Name of the project and those behind it
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Purpose and importance
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Approved or estimated cost
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Timeline of completion
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Any other relevant details
The Director General of Public Relations (DGPR) will be responsible for managing and releasing these campaigns. Only pre-qualified advertising agencies will be allowed to run them.
Anyone with a complaint can approach the DGPR. If not satisfied, they can file an appeal to the Secretary of the Punjab Information Department within 30 days.
The law also states that:
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The government can make rules through official notification.
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No court will have jurisdiction over matters related to this law.
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Government officials and employees will be protected from legal action if they act in good faith under the law.
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Azma Bokhari said the law includes a complaint system for the public to raise concerns about awareness campaigns. “If someone is unhappy, they can file an appeal with the secretary,” she said.
In another major step, the Punjab government has decided to register all unregistered restaurants and wedding halls across the province.
The decision was made during a meeting in Lahore chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
During the meeting, the CM rejected proposals to increase taxes. She directed authorities to widen the tax net instead of burdening the public.
“Taxpayers must not be punished while tax evaders go free,” she said. She added that the government’s goal is to increase revenue without putting extra pressure on ordinary citizens.
She directed the Punjab Revenue Authority, Mines and Minerals Department, and other departments to look for new sources of income.
