FAISALABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz firmly refused to apologize on Thursday for her recent aggressive comments directed at the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a crucial coalition partner of the PML-N at the federal level.
The tensions between PML-N and PPP escalated over the issue of flood relief measures, particularly regarding the distribution of aid through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). During a public event in Faisalabad, CM Maryam dismissed PPP’s objections to a controversial canal project on the Indus River, further fuelling the dispute.
PPP leaders have been demanding flood relief assistance via BISP, which the Punjab government has rejected. This disagreement led to protests, with PPP lawmakers walking out of both the Senate and the National Assembly in protest against CM Maryam’s remarks about their response to the flood situation and her comments regarding their reactions to her government’s handling of the crisis.
At a ceremony in Lahore, CM Maryam reaffirmed her stance, stating she would always defend Punjab’s interests. She questioned, “If I, as chief minister, don’t speak up for Punjab, then who will?”Her words followed an attempt by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to mediate between the PML-N and PPP and halt public exchanges of criticism. During her speech, she emphasized her refusal to ask for international aid during the floods, asserting she would never ask her people to beg or compromise their dignity.
Referring to the May 9 incidents, CM Maryam described those who incited violence as “your greatest enemies,” without explicitly naming PTI leader Imran Khan, who is currently in custody. She accused opposition elements of encouraging children to attack state institutions, saying, “On May 9, children were asked to harm the country, yet their own children are now outside.”
She highlighted her government’s efforts to eliminate favoritism and electoral rigging, claiming, “I have put an end to nepotism and corruption.” She also asserted that the sale of examination centers in Punjab has ceased.CM Maryam concluded by reaffirming her accountability to Allah and the people of Punjab, vowing to continue serving with integrity.
