Punjab CM Maryam flayed over remarks about terror threat from provinces

Asad Qaiser, a leader from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), harshly criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's recent remarks regarding a perceived threat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) rather than India. At a gathering in Swabi, Qaiser accused Maryam Nawaz's father, a former prime minister, of having been responsible for pushing KP into a war against terrorism.

Qaiser alleged that Maryam's uncle, the current prime minister, had rekindled the region's conflict and fuelled violence. He asserted that the sacrifices made by the people of KP during the war were dishonored by the authorities. Qaiser argued that flawed policies had created an environment that enabled suicide and drone attacks, which had not occurred during the three-year tenure of PTI leader Imran Khan.

He further pointed out that employment and business opportunities in KP were severely limited, with many people forced to leave the province due to the lack of trade with Afghanistan. Qaiser vehemently condemned Maryam Nawaz's statements and urged the PML-N leadership in KP to challenge the remarks and stand in support of the province's people.

He threatened political boycott if the party leadership did not condemn the remarks. Qaiser emphasized that the PTI founding chairman, Imran Khan, and other leaders were facing political victimization, highlighting the ongoing political repression. He demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and all political prisoners, and called for an end to the political victimization.

Qaiser stressed that the September 27 march aimed not only to be a PTI political event but also to be a peaceful struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, genuine democracy, and the freedom of political prisoners. He assured that the people of KP would demonstrate their political and democratic strength during the march.