Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz firmly refused to apologise for her recent remarks against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition partner of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) at the federal level. The ongoing dispute, centred on flood compensation and a controversial canal project, has deepened rifts within the coalition, threatening political stability.
The conflict intensified after Nawaz’s comments at a Faisalabad event, where she dismissed the PPP’s objections to a proposed canal project on the Indus River. The PPP, advocating for flood relief through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), criticised the Punjab government’s rejection of this approach, prompting a walkout by PPP lawmakers from the Senate and National Assembly on September 30.
Maryam Nawaz Defends Punjab’s Stance
Speaking at a Lahore ceremony, CM Nawaz defended her position, stating, “As chief minister, if I don’t speak for Punjab, then who will?” She rejected calls for international aid during recent floods, emphasising, “I will never ask my people to beg with a bowl in hand, nor compromise their dignity.” Her remarks underscored her commitment to Punjab’s interests amid the coalition’s discord.
Nawaz also referenced the May 9, 2023, unrest without naming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, calling those who incited violence the “biggest enemy” of the people. She highlighted her administration’s achievements, claiming, “I have put a full stop to favouritism and rigging,” and noted that examination centres in Punjab are no longer compromised.
Read: Jinnah Institute of Cardiology Not Renamed After Maryam Nawaz
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq attempted to mediate on October 1, urging both PML-N and PPP to halt public criticisms. Despite this, Nawaz’s refusal to back down signals persistent friction. She stressed her accountability to “Allah Almighty and the people of Punjab,” reinforcing her resolve to prioritise her province’s needs.
