Maryam vows to keep speaking for Punjab

The ongoing rift between the PPP and the PML-N further deepened on Tuesday as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz hit back at PPP's criticism, doubling down on her stance that she would continue to speak for Punjab in her capacity as chief minister.

Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, Maryam said, "If Maryam Nawaz Sharif does not speak about Punjab, then who else will speak for Punjab?"

She added that she wanted other provinces to be as "clean and developed as Punjab", in what appeared to be a veiled reference to PPP's governance record in Sindh.

The chief minister maintained that progress and prosperity were the right of every citizen, stressing that "one should not have to beg for it".

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari also rejected accusations from PPP leaders and fired back at their rhetoric, saying Sindh is not the private fief of any feudal lord and objecting to the use of the term "Sindhudesh".

Responding to PPP statements, Bukhari criticised what she described as a double standard in the opposition's posture. She said those who publicly call for a ceasefire then turn around "every hour" and open fire, and that such fiery language undermines any hope of dialogue.

"How can you expect a ceasefire from us while these tongues keep spitting flames?" she asked.

Meanwhile, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman cautioned the ruling coalition that it would face difficulties in the Senate without her party's "clear support."

Speaking in an interview with a private news channel, the senior PPP leader said, "If you want to tear apart the whole coalition then I've already said in the National Assembly that don't take our inclusion on the treasury benches for granted and don't think that we will keep you stable no matter what you do."

She warned the government not to underestimate the PPP's role, adding, "If you don't need [us] then that's your choice, but let me remind you we are the biggest party in the Senate and it will become very difficult for you without the PPP's clear support."

Rehman said the party had shown restraint despite repeated provocations but warned against personal attacks on PPP leadership. "Forgiveness and apology is one thing, but won't my feelings and those of every supporter be hurt when you make the top leadership, our chairman and his sister, the targets of unreasonable criticism," she said.

"What coalition is this and where do you want to take it? What are the aims? Such questions will arise then," she remarked.

She said the issue was not one between Sindh and Punjab but of the federation and the people, noting that 6.5 million people were affected by the recent floods. She criticised the framing of PPP's proposal to use the BISP for relief distribution as a Sindh versus Punjab issue.