Sajid Nawaz, who went viral for publicly criticizing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over the province’s poor handling of urban flooding, has been arrested and dismissed from his job at Qarshi Industries.
In the widely circulated video, Sajid expressed anger and frustration over the failure of Lahore’s drainage system, holding the provincial leadership accountable for the chaos caused by heavy monsoon rains. His outburst resonated with many Pakistanis, but it appears to have prompted swift and severe consequences.
Just hours after the clip gained traction online, Punjab police allegedly detained Sajid. A second video soon surfaced—believed by many to have been recorded under pressure—in which he appears subdued and issues an apology, stating, “I apologise to the government of Pakistan for my actions.”
Sajid Nawaz’s Job Termination Raises More Alarms
Following his arrest, Sajid has not returned home. His family says they have been unable to contact him and have received no official update on his whereabouts. They fear he may be forcibly disappeared.
Adding to their concerns, internal sources at Qarshi Industries confirmed that Sajid has been removed from his role in the sales department. Although the company has yet to issue a public statement, sources suggest the dismissal came directly in the wake of the viral video.
Political Backlash and Public Outrage
The incident has triggered a wave of backlash, particularly from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, who accuse the Punjab government of silencing dissent through intimidation. Social media has been flooded with calls for Sajid’s release and demands for accountability from both the provincial authorities and Qarshi Industries.
PTI-aligned influencers have turned Sajid’s case into a symbol of government overreach and suppression of free speech, questioning whether citizens are allowed to express frustration without facing retaliation.
Silence from Authorities about Sajid Nawaz
As public pressure mounts, neither the Punjab government nor Qarshi Industries has issued an official comment regarding Sajid’s arrest or termination. Meanwhile, concerns over his safety continue to grow, with many demanding clarity about his legal status and well-being.
The case has sparked a broader debate about freedom of expression in Pakistan and the consequences faced by citizens who speak out against those in power.
