LAHORE; Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday firmly declared that she would “never apologise” for her recent remarks that triggered a political row between the ruling PML-N and its coalition partner, the PPP.
The disagreement initially arose over flood compensation but later expanded to a debate on water rights of the Indus River. Maryam told PPP leaders to “keep their advice to themselves,” sparking protests by PPP lawmakers, who boycotted National Assembly and Senate sessions in response.
On Wednesday, senior leaders from both parties met in Islamabad to ease tensions, with the PPP urging Maryam to reconsider her tone when speaking about inter-provincial water rights.
Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, Maryam accused the PPP of “wrongful criticism” against the Punjab government during the floods. “When floods swept through Punjab, people from one province not only criticised us unfairly but also rubbed salt into our wounds,” she said. “We don’t spread lies or hold press conferences to attack other provinces — we help them.”
She recalled calling KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to offer assistance during the floods, despite their political differences. “People from other provinces are my brothers and sisters. If a CM likes a project of mine, I send them the required technology and support,” she added.
Maryam expressed disappointment over Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s press conferences during the floods, in which, she said, he mocked Punjab. “I stayed silent because I didn’t want to engage in a fight. I’m serving Punjab 24/7 and don’t have time for politics,” she remarked.
Responding to PPP’s parliamentary walkouts, Maryam questioned why she should apologise. “The spokesperson who politicised Punjab’s suffering should apologise, not me. Maryam Nawaz Sharif will never apologise,” she asserted.
Maryam defended her government’s decision not to take Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) funds, saying she wanted accurate flood damage data. “We have 10,000 people in the field conducting door-to-door assessments to compensate affected families,” she said.
She also addressed the canals project issue — a key source of tension between Punjab and Sindh — stating she had taken Punjab’s case to the Council of Common Interests (CCI). “That water is the right of Punjab’s farmers, but it was politicised,” she added.
Distancing herself from controversial remarks made by YouTuber Rizwan Razi about Sindh, Maryam said: “What he said was inappropriate and I cannot endorse it. He apologised before the Senate committee. When someone apologises, you forgive them. But the PPP made fun of him.”
Concluding her speech, Maryam warned: “Think 100 times before speaking negatively about Punjab. I will not let anyone insult my people again.”
