LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari said the expenses of the family members, who accompanied Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on her visit to Japan, were borne by her (CM).

“The record of the expenses of the 16-member official delegation that accompanied Maryam Nawaz is available, and will also be audited,” she told a press conference here on Wednesday.

She said the CM did not draw a salary, nor did she use an official residence.

“If she takes her family along on her own expense, what is wrong with that?” she asked and added the Japan trip would bring investment to Pakistan and Punjab.

Interestingly, the Punjab government hid the fact that the family members of Maryam were also accompanying her to Japan visit. However, when speculations were rife on social media about the presence of Maryam’s family members and family friends, initially the government denied.

Opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had also questioned CM Maryam over ‘exorbitant’ spending, use of the chartered jet and including private persons in her delegation for Japan’s five-day tour.

It is being argued that even if such participants claim to bear their own expenses, the practice undermines the sanctity of official delegations and blurs the line between state affairs and personal interests.

Azma Bokhari said different companies in Japan were persuaded to invest in Pakistan and MoUs were signed with departments including agriculture.

She said this visit was of great importance for both Punjab and Pakistan. “However, some elements are unnecessarily criticising. We welcome constructive criticism, but objections on clothes and shoes reflect a shallow and non-serious approach,” she said.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2025