Govt says PML-N clearly divided into two factions

PM’s aide says Maryam has ridiculed her own uncle by calling charter of economy a joke

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The ruling party has described Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz’s reservations over the charter of economy proposed by her uncle and party president Shehbaz Sharif as a clear indication of a split within the opposition party.

“By calling the charter of economy a joke, Maryam Nawaz has ridiculed her own uncle [Shehbaz],” Special Assistant to the PM on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said at a news conference in Islamabad on Saturday.

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Speaking with reference to the concerns raised by the Maryam about health of her incarcerated father Nawaz Sharif, Firdous said the PML-N leader is merely politicising the issue.

“If Maryam was actually a doctor, she wouldn’t use the issue of her father’s health condition for political mileage,” she added.

Firdous said if 90% of prisoners over the age of 60 were tested, it would be found that they were suffering from far more worse ailments than the former prime minister.

She insisted that Nawaz Sharif is not suffering from the pain of heart disease. “You [Maryam] and your father are suffering from the pain of [losing] power.”

The special assistant said Nawaz was suffering from the pain of his brother Shehbaz not sharing his narrative. “This pain and frustration was evident at your [Maryam’s] news conference today.”

Also speaking on the matter, Punjab Information Minister Samsam Bukhari said Maryam’s statement had laid foundation of two factions in the PML-N.

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“There is a power struggle between Maryam Bibi and Hamza Shehbaz,” he told reporters. “Before making tall claims, the Sharif family should first agree on a single narrative.”

Bukhari said Maryam had the right to criticise others but should be ready to face accountability herself as well. “It would have been better if Maryam Bibi had informed the media when her brothers would return to the country and present themselves for accountability.”