Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has categorically refused to apologise for her sharp remarks against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The dispute between the coalition partners escalated after disagreements over flood compensation and canal projects.
Maryam Defends Her Position
Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said she would continue to defend Punjab against criticism. She stated: “As chief minister, if I don’t speak for Punjab, then who will?” She vowed that whenever Punjab came under attack, she would respond firmly.
Her comments followed tensions with the PPP, which had demanded that flood compensation be distributed through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The Punjab government rejected this demand, leading to heated exchanges.
Coalition Tensions Continue
The dispute intensified when PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from both the National Assembly and the Senate. They expressed anger over Maryam’s remarks regarding the canal project and flood relief policies. Despite efforts by senior leaders to ease tensions, Maryam stood by her words, refusing to back down.
She stressed that during the floods she had been urged to seek international aid, but she rejected the idea. According to her, Punjab’s dignity could not be compromised. She said she would never “beg with a bowl in hand” in front of the world.
Remarks on May 9 Events
Maryam Nawaz also referred to the violent events of May 9. Without directly naming former Prime Minister Imran Khan, she criticised political leaders who, according to her, urged young people to attack national institutions while their own families lived abroad. She described those figures as the “biggest enemies” of the nation.
Focus on Merit and Accountability
Highlighting her government’s reforms, Maryam claimed that favouritism and rigging had been eliminated from Punjab’s system. She emphasised that examination centres in the province were no longer sold, and merit was being strictly upheld.
She declared that she was accountable first to Allah Almighty and then to the people of Punjab, making clear that her administration would operate with transparency and integrity.
Maryam Nawaz’s refusal to apologise has deepened political tensions within the coalition government. While she has pledged to defend Punjab’s rights, her stance has also fuelled further debate over unity among ruling parties. Her focus on dignity, merit, and accountability signals that she intends to lead Punjab with firmness, even if it means facing continued criticism from political allies.
