The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s new campaign slogan, “Mayram Hai Toh Mumkin Hai” (If Maryam is there, it is possible!), has ignited a wave of criticism on social media.
Many users accuse the party of imitating Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s similar slogan, “Modi hai toh Mumkin hai.” This comparison has sparked a broader conversation about originality in political messaging.
Following her election as Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been a frequent target of criticism. Opponents claim she tends to replicate strategies formerly used by PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan. The latest slogan has only intensified these accusations, with critics alleging that PML-N is now borrowing ideas from international figures.
Senior journalist and analyst Imran Riaz Khan also expressed severe criticism in his vlog, and another user shared his sentiment, saying, “The thief may leave stealing but not the trickery! PML-N is copying India! From ‘Modi hai toh mumkin hai’ to ‘Maryam hai toh mumkin hai!'”
Rai Saqib Kharal, a senior journalist and analyst, highlighted the similarities by sharing a video from Modi’s campaign with the caption, “After ‘Modi hai toh Mumkin hai,’ here’s ‘Maryam hai toh Mumkin hai!'”
Another senior journalist, Shakir Mahmood Awan, drew direct comparisons between the campaign materials of the two slogans, criticizing the apparent mimicry with the remark, “The thief may leave stealing but not the trickery; after copying PTI’s plans, now even slogans are being stolen across the border!”
Social media user Faraz Ahmed pointed out the timing of the campaigns, noting, “In India, after ‘Modi hai toh Mumkin hai’ in February 2024, we now have ‘Maryam hai toh Mumkin hai’ in April 2024! Bravo!”
Ahmad Warraich added context to the origin of Modi’s slogan, explaining, “The ‘it’s possible’ the Bharatiya Janata Party first did the theme. ‘Modi hai toh Mumkin hai’ is an old slogan, probably from the time of legislation related to Kashmir. Now PML-N has come up with ‘Maryam hai toh Mumkin hai.'”
The controversy has highlighted the challenges political parties face in crafting messages that resonate with voters while maintaining authenticity. The backlash from this campaign reflects a growing scrutiny of political strategies and the importance of originality in public discourse.
*The news feed is sourced from Siasat Pakistan