LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the recent by-elections were more than just electoral contests; they symbolized a referendum, decisively won by PML-N. She remarked that “Prisoner No. 804” suffered defeat within his stronghold.
Speaking during a special meeting with provincial ministers and secretaries, she condemned the hypocrisy she observed. She pointed out, “When they lose, they label it a boycott. If there had been rigging, the world would have seen proof. Today, even international media are noting that Punjab once operated on ‘witchcraft’. Such tactics may yield temporary gains but cannot sustain success.” Maryam further mentioned that the challenges previously faced by PML-N, such as restrictions on jail visitations, were now being lamented by others.
Recalling her own experiences, Maryam shared that while jailed, she was granted only one 20-minute weekly meeting with Nawaz Sharif and even received the news of her mother’s passing while incarcerated. “Despite such ordeals, we never boycotted elections—Nawaz Sharif never did. PTI, however, is now reaping the consequences of its actions,” she remarked.
She underscored that those who confront the state do not deserve admiration. “Alliances were formed, traditions attacked, yet no one spoke up. Their downfall began with their assault on the state,” she said firmly.
Turning her attention to governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she criticized the rampant corruption and highlighted how empty slogans cannot address people’s needs. “KP has regressed to the Stone Age due to mismanagement. We are extending our resources and compassion to support the people of KP,” she pledged.
Maryam pointed out that Haripur’s voters backed Nawaz Sharif, demonstrating that a truly popular leader never refrains from elections. “A narrative cannot be fabricated—it evolves naturally. PTI’s reaction to losing power was to turn against the country. That isn’t politics,” she asserted.
She concluded by stating that performance is the most compelling narrative. Reflecting on the PTI era, Maryam recalled how state resources were weaponized against PML-N. “Despite contesting in KP while boycotting Punjab, PTI still faced resounding defeat,” she said.
She further noted that PTI campaigned under the banner of “Prisoner No. 804,” yet failed miserably. “Their exaggerated claims of popularity have crumbled. I dedicate this by-election victory to Nawaz Sharif and to the people of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” she declared.
