ISLAMABAD: Launching a strong condemnation, PPP Information Secretary Shazia Marri accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of making divisive statements that risk shattering national harmony and undermining the coalition government..
Marri urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the issue immediately, hinting that the PPP might reconsider attending future parliamentary sessions if the situation persists. At a Faisalabad event on Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz defended a controversial canal project while dismissing Sindh’s concerns, prompting PPP to walkout from the National Assembly.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House with MNA Sehar Kamran, Marri rejected statements politicising natural resources, asserting that water and air belong to the entire country, not one province. She recalled Bilawal Bhutto’s international advocacy for the Indus River and urged the prime minister to act swiftly, as such remarks harm Pakistan. She stressed the need for dialogue within Pakistan, stating, “No province belongs to one party or family—all are part of Pakistan.” Strengthening parliament, she said, is key to consolidating democracy. Marri also called for a parliamentary briefing on international agreements.
Marri noted the PPP had protested inside the National Assembly by staging a walkout. She highlighted PPP leader Naveed Qamar’s concerns about flood victims, stating that over four million people are affected, yet the government focuses on political point-scoring rather than relief efforts.
She expressed concern that divisive rhetoric undermines the coalition. “We supported PML-N to strengthen democracy, not weaken harmony,” she said. Marri noted that PPP workers question why their political space is shrinking due to this alliance. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she added promotes positive politics and has ensured transparent relief through the Benazir Income Support Programme, disbursing Rs25,000 to flood victims.
Marri also acknowledged the sacrifices of security forces, particularly those of the Frontier Corps martyred and injured while defending the nation in Quetta and at the borders.
Sehar Kamran, speaking alongside Marri, praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for tackling challenges at the borders and within the country. She welcomed Punjab’s progress but stressed that projects in Sindh must also be completed. Kamran warned that fostering hatred and division is against the national interest.