HYDERABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Aajiz Dhamrah, Maula Bux Chandio and MNA Tariq Shah Jamot on Friday berated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for what they termed ‘ethnic politics’ following her recent statement on water and canal projects.
Speaking to the media at Chandio’s residence, Dhamrah said Maryam’s remarks revealed the linguistic card and they should be seen in the context of ‘Jag Punjabi Jag’. He added that such statements would ultimately affect the government led by her uncle Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The PPP leader recalled that during floods in Punjab, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari sat on the ground with victims and called for relief, while Maryam woke up only to express anger. He stressed that decisions on controversial canals were taken at the Council of Common Interests (CCI) where Maryam remained silent but now chose to target the people of Sindh.
He also condemned the recent attack on journalists at the Islamabad Press Club, calling it an act of terrorism. The federal government must punish the police officers involved in the attack and dismiss them from service, Dhamrah demanded.
Meanwhile, Chandio accused Maryam of reviving divisive slogans to protect her political standing. “She is raising the Jag Punjabi Jag slogan to save face. If Sindhis and Baloch are considered provincial, does she alone represent Pakistan? This is unfair,” he remarked. He cautioned that if Maryam did not change her stance, the PPP would have to reconsider the continuation of the ruling alliance. If this coalition had to move forward, respect must be given to our chairman, he asserted, warning that tougher times were ahead for the PML-N leader.
He also rejected calls for mid-term elections, saying the situation did not warrant them, and advised the PML-N leadership to stand on their own feet instead of relying on the establishment’s support.
