Smog situation in Punjab: Barrister Saif criticises Nawaz and Maryam for Geneva trip

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Dr Saif has criticised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz for travelling to Europe while Punjab grapples with a severe smog crisis.

In a statement, Dr Saif said that the people of Punjab are struggling to breathe due to the smog, yet the father-daughter duo have embarked on a trip to enjoy the fresh air of Geneva.

He alleged that Maryam Nawaz has hired a private jet for the journey.

"The plane was reportedly filled with trunks and suitcases," he claimed. "The country's condition is dire, but their royal expenses show no sign of ending."

Dr Saif further stated that life in Punjab has come to a halt because of the worsening smog, and the 'Nawaz family's trip abroad is an affront to the people facing hardship.'

"From leaders associated with Form 47, this is what we can expect," he added.

He also questioned the decision to seek medical treatment in Europe, claiming it reflects poorly on the state of healthcare facilities in Punjab.

"Despite multiple terms in power, they haven't established a single hospital where they can receive treatment themselves," Dr Saif remarked.

Maryam in Geneva for 'checkup'

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday revealed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had left for Geneva, Switzerland to undergo a medical checkup for a thyroid gland.

Addressing the presser, Marriyum stated that the Punjab chief minister had to be hospitalised at Sharif Medical University on Monday due to a gland issue that had worsened. She also revealed that Maryam's test values were high, and as a result, her surgeon had called her to Geneva.

The senior provincial minister maintained that Maryam had undergone gland surgery last year before her father and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif's arrival to Pakistan, but the issue relapsed just six months later.

She stated that, despite repeated insistence, Maryam had been ignoring the issue due to her busy schedule. She also confirmed that the Punjab chief minister would return on Nov 12 and continue performing her duties during the trip.

It is pertinent to mention that despite Maryam Nawaz falling sick on Monday, which reportedly necessitated her medical trip to Geneva,