LAHORE(National Times)- Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari strongly criticized what she described as a “toxic mindset” targeting the provincial leadership on social media. In a statement posted on X, she said certain elements, while criticizing an aircraft issue, had exposed their “upbringing and mentality.” She alleged that a particular political group had become a “malignant presence” in society and accused segments of the media of remaining silent instead of speaking out. Bukhari also shared posts attributed to PTI’s social media accounts, calling on media professionals and human rights advocates to take notice. Meanwhile, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that members and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf were spreading “filth” on social and mainstream media. She alleged that individuals linked to the party were involved in a smear campaign against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Mrs Aurangzeb urged national media outlets to distance themselves from what she termed politically motivated elements. She further said that legal action against defamatory campaigns is often misrepresented as a restriction on freedom of expression, adding that silence over character assassination damages the credibility of the media.