Marriyum Aurangzeb defends Maryam Nawaz, accuses KP government of fuelling provincial tensions

Punjab Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has defended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz amid criticism of her recent remarks on security threats, accusing opponents of targeting her over her performance and growing popularity.

In a statement posted on X, Aurangzeb said the controversy was not really about Maryam’s statement or her plane, but about her performance and increasing popularity.

“Today, the issue is not the plane or Maryam Nawaz’s statement; the issue is Maryam Nawaz’s performance and her growing popularity,” she said.

Aurangzeb also said it had been made clear that Maryam would personally bear the expenses of her upcoming visit to London.

She criticised those who, she said, were using the Punjab chief minister’s remarks to create hatred between provinces and division among the people, saying they should apologise to the public.

Aurangzeb also lashed out at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s spokesperson over remarks directed at Maryam, describing them as consistent with what she called the “disgusting tradition” of PTI and its leadership of using offensive language against women.

She said those currently governing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appeared unfamiliar with the traditions of Pashtuns, whom she described as proud people who respect the dignity of mothers, sisters and daughters.

Drawing a comparison with militancy, Aurangzeb said terrorists used guns and suicide jackets to kill people, while their facilitators used language as a weapon to insult and demean people, particularly women.

“Terrorists tear people apart with guns and suicide jackets, while their facilitators use language as a weapon to insult human beings, especially women,” she said.

Her comments came amid a political dispute following Maryam’s remarks that Punjab faced a greater security threat from neighbouring provinces than from neighbouring countries, with the chief minister saying terrorism entered the province through its provincial borders.