Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has strongly criticized recent statements by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, calling them divisive and narrow-minded. The remarks come at a time when parts of the country are still grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding.
PPP Condemns Divisive Rhetoric
PPP leader Shazia Marri said Pakistan cannot afford hollow rhetoric during its fragile circumstances. She emphasized that leaders should prioritize public service over statements that could deepen political divisions.
“In a country facing serious humanitarian challenges, there is no room for empty narratives,” Marri said. She added that Maryam Nawaz should focus on meaningful service rather than comments that fuel political discord.
Humanitarian Efforts vs. Political Show
Marri highlighted that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has consistently prioritized aid for flood victims. She noted that appeals for relief are not political gestures but a matter of human responsibility.
“People are still trapped in floodwaters and waiting for help. Raising a voice for them is a duty of every political and humanitarian actor,” she said.
Marri also criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for what she described as performative relief efforts. “Putting your pictures on juice boxes or making TikTok videos does not count as relief work. It is political point-scoring,” she said, targeting the party’s attempts at publicizing its aid activities.
She urged the Punjab government to shift focus from symbolic acts to real, on-the-ground service for flood victims.
Calls for BISP Cash Assistance
The PPP leader expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent measures, including electricity bill relief and the declaration of a national agricultural emergency. However, she questioned why a previously successful model for direct aid has not been applied in the current crisis.
“If immediate relief was provided to flood victims in 2022 through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and the Ramadan package, why is the same model not being used now?” Marri asked.
She called on the Prime Minister to announce cash assistance through BISP immediately to provide urgent relief to those rendered homeless by the floods.
Context: Flooding and Political Tensions
Pakistan has faced severe monsoon rains over the past weeks, causing widespread flooding in Punjab, Sindh, and other regions. Thousands have been displaced, with urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical aid.
Political tensions have further complicated relief efforts, with opposition and ruling parties often accusing each other of politicizing aid. The PPP’s response underscores the ongoing debate over the role of political leaders in disaster management.
As Pakistan continues to respond to the humanitarian crisis, PPP’s stance emphasizes prioritizing immediate aid over political theatrics, urging all parties to focus on relief for those most affected.
