Despite Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz comparing PTI to terrorists and India, the federal government maintains its invitation for dialogue with the party.
LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has equated Pakistan’s main political opposition, the PTI, with terrorists and India—Pakistan’s primary adversary. However, the federal government insists its offer to engage in talks with PTI remains open.
Minister of State Barrister Akeel Malik said the government’s priority is to stabilize the political situation, even as internal differences within PML-N continue to create confusion.
Although PTI’s street influence has waned over the past two years, its capacity to challenge the PML-N government remains limited. Still, a faction within the ruling party, apparently led by Maryam Nawaz, continues to rely on aggressive rhetoric against PTI, ignoring voter sentiment.
History shows that such political mudslinging can backfire. During his tenure, former Prime Minister Imran Khan often targeted PML-N in speeches, but his persistent attacks sometimes alienated his own supporters, who called for a more mature approach.
Maryam Nawaz seems to have adopted a similar confrontational stance towards PTI. Even as the federal government works to ease political tensions, senior PML-N leaders like Maryam and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif keep escalating hostilities.
Recently, Maryam’s remarks comparing terrorists, India, and PTI sparked controversy online, with many interpreting her comments as labeling PTI a bigger threat than terrorism or India.
It’s worth noting that Maryam has previously described Imran Khan as more dangerous than both terrorism and the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the federal government continues to keep dialogue channels open despite PTI’s repeated refusals to engage.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Barrister Akeel clarified that Maryam’s comments were made in a “specific context.”
He also criticized PTI for actions he viewed as harming Pakistan’s interests. “Which political party asks the IMF to withhold loans? PTI has done this multiple times and shown no remorse,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s willingness to hold talks: “Our doors remain open to PTI. The committee for engagement is still active. PTI just needs to express its willingness in the National Assembly. But they seem disinterested in political dialogue or resolution.”
Akeel dismissed claims of any internal disagreements within the ruling party over the PTI issue.
Regarding differing statements from federal and provincial information ministries—where the federal minister praised PTI’s social media efforts while Punjab’s Azma Bukhari accused PTI of undermining national interests—Akeel defended both views.
He explained that while Pakistan unites against digital misinformation, some PTI social media supporters circulate AI-generated images to troll political figures.
Muhammad Zubair, former spokesperson for the Nawaz family, described Maryam’s faction as the party’s “hawks” on PTI, while Shehbaz Sharif embodies a more conciliatory approach.
He said the hawkish group is deeply concerned about PTI’s loyal base and aims to neutralize the party decisively. “For Maryam Nawaz, Imran Khan is a greater threat than Modi,” he noted. “Shehbaz, however, is not a hardliner.”
Zubair suggested Maryam should recognize that PTI’s influence is currently diminished. “Why keep antagonizing them? If the country can reach a ceasefire with India, why not with a political rival?” he asked.
“If I were advising Maryam, I’d tell her to be indifferent toward PTI.”
