The PPP and the PML-N — the two major allies that primarily sustain the current political dispensation — continued to trade barbs over flood relief in Punjab, the country's political powerhouse.
The PPP on Friday called Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's recent statements "divisive" and the PML-N advised the PPP to put its house in order in Sindh.
A day earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had criticised both the federal and Punjab governments — led by the PML-Nfor failing to issue an appeal for international assistance.
CM Maryam Nawaz had retorted that Punjab "would not beg" for aid and accused the PPP of politicising Punjab's flood crisis.
Reacting to Maryam's statement, PPP leader Shazia Marri said the Thursday statements by Punjab chief minister showed "narrow-mindedness" and "divisiveness."
She claimed that Pakistan cannot afford hollow rhetoric and advised Maryam to focus on public service instead of making divisive comments.
"Bilawal Bhutto has always prioritized helping flood victims. Those demanding relief for flood-hit people are not doing politics...people are still trapped in water and waiting for help," she added.
Marri said the PPP believes in serving the people rather than indulging in hollow statements.
"Those who put their pictures on juice boxes, make TikTok videos, and call it relief work are the ones actually playing politics," she said.
She further stated that the Punjab government led by PML-N should focus on genuine service rather than showmanship. "Since when has asking for relief for homeless flood victims become a crime?" Marri asked.
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said Maryam Nawaz strongly represented Punjab's case before the entire nation. "No one will be allowed to politicize the misery of Punjab's flood victims," Bukhari stated.
She added that those who cannot practically help flood victims should refrain from making unnecessary remarks. She said the people of Punjab had given a mandate to Maryam Nawaz, who knows how to protect the province and its people.
"There are plenty of issues to do politics onclose your political shops running in the name of flood victims," she remarked.
Bukhari added that those working for flood relief should be allowed to continue their work.
She said Maryam and her team always inform the public about their performance, while critics try to gain media attention by point-scoring over welfare work.
"Those who cannot present their own performance try to find faults in the good work of others. Maryam has set an example of merit, good governance, and transparency in Punjab," she said.
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