Maryam describes PTI as 'a pile of filth'

LAHORE:

As political tensions remain on the boil, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described the PTI as a pile of filth and a bunch of terrorists "that should be eradicated", a rhetoric that can potentially take the country up the escalation ladder.

Addressing the launching ceremony of "Suthra Punjab", Maryam, who is the political scion of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, said, "it is necessary to clean political filth from Pakistan".

She also lauded the people of Punjab for not participating in the PTI's recent protest march in Islamabad that was dispersed after a heavy-handed crackdown by authorities on the night of November 26.

According to Maryam, Punjab did not pay heed to the repeated calls by the PTI leadership for committing vandalizing and saboteur activities.

"Not more than two dozen people came out from any city of Punjab to participate in the protest movement. PTI's every call for protest has been badly rejected," she claimed.

The CM said those who claim themselves to be democratic should also behave in a democratic manner, adding that PTI protesters committed a lot of atrocities on the law enforcement personnel.

"I felt stunned to see the condition of the injured personnel after visiting the hospital. The PTI workers captured a superintendent of police and inflicted wounds on his head with nailed sticks. Where in the world such a peaceful protest is held?" she asked.

She said no one is willing to trust those who attacked their own country on May 9. On May 9, 2023, violent protests erupted across the country after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan from a court premises in connection with a corruption case.

Maryam said: "Neither they are peaceful nor hold peaceful protests. During their latest protest, they attacked police and Rangers personnel who were undergoing treatment at the CMH."

The CM claimed that people armed with pistols and rifles came forward and shot at the police.

She rejected the party's claim that its workers were brutally killed during November 26 crackdown, noting that everyone saw funerals of Rangers and policemen but no one saw any funeral of a PTI worker or supporter.

"If a thousand people were killed in the crackdown then where did their funerals take place? The PTI earlier claimed that its 1,000 workers died; later it reduced the number to 500, then to 270 and now it claims that only 12 people died in clashes with authorities."

Referring to a video showing "escape" of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was leading the last PTI protest, Maryam asked as to why the PTI did not show video of its people getting killed.

"If Rangers, police personnel or anyone's life is lost, the prisoner sitting in Adiala prison [Imran Khan] is responsible for it," she added.

According to Maryam, the mastermind behind the November protest is sitting in jail.

"This is a group of terrorists that must be eradicated. If you commit unlawful activities, then a stern action will be taken against you," she said.

Earlier, Maryam Nawaz launched Pakistan's biggest "Suthra Punjab".

She also inspected modern loaders, trucks and other equipment for cleaning purposes during a ceremony being held at the Expo Centre. She also witnessed a spray machine, road washer and e-bike and interacted with sanitary workers as well.