Maryam Nawaz lashes out at PPP post Gillani’s appointment as opposition leader in senate

While speaking to media outside Lahore High Court (LHC), Maryam Nawaz said that a clear line has been drawn between people fighting for the supremacy of constitution and those seeking personal gains.

“The people of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) voted for opposition leader in Senate at the request of their ‘father’. On one side are those who are fighting for the rights of people and supremacy of law and constitution by making sacrifices, whereas on the other hand, there are those are playing with democratic traditions for petty gains. But the public knows whose narrative is right,” she added.

Referring to Gillani’s appointment as senate’s opposition leader, she said that it is very unfortunate PPP did so much damage to democracy for a small post.

“This is not PML-N’s defeat but of those who took advantage for such a small position. They could have simply asked former premier Nawaz Sharif, if they needed that post so much,” she added.

The PML-N leader further stated that this was probably the first time in history that a leader of opposition was selected by government.

“If you want to be ‘obedient’, then you should follow the footsteps of Imran Khan who stands completely exposed. When you think that you have no choice but to be selected, you obey," Maryam Nawaz said without naming PPP.

The two main opposition parties — the PPP and the PML-N — were at loggerheads over the matter of Opposition leader’s slot in senate.

Reportedly, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders had decided that the Senate chairman would be from the PPP, deputy chairman from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and the Opposition leader’s slot would go to PML-N.

However, PPP had debated that the situation was different after Gillani lost elections of senate chairman. Yesterday, Gillani submitted his nomination papers and shortly after, he was appointed as leader of the opposition in senate.