Maryam Nawaz to PPP: Keep your advice, focus on Sindh

(Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has criticized the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for politicizing the flood situation in Punjab, stating that she does not wish to comment on the conditions in Sindh. “Keep your advice to yourselves — we will take care of Punjab,” she said.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the electric bus project in Dera Ghazi Khan, Maryam Nawaz remarked,

“I’ve been questioned about why I’m not appealing for international aid. I am Nawaz Sharif’s daughter — I will not stretch out my hand before anyone for aid. How can a dignified person beg for help? I don’t need any aid. The money of the people of Punjab will be spent on the people of Punjab.”

Referring to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she said:

“Bilawal is like a younger brother to me, but I want to tell him to instruct his party’s spokespersons to behave. I don’t want to talk about what’s happening in Sindh — take care of your own province. We’ll manage Punjab ourselves.”

The Chief Minister further stated that those who talk about South Punjab were once in power here but did nothing. “It was Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif who actually delivered for South Punjab. In the past, South Punjab only got slogans — we are doing real work here. In some southern Punjab districts, schoolchildren are even being provided milk.”

Maryam Nawaz emphasized, “Repeatedly bringing up South Punjab is an attempt to draw dividing lines. Those who talk about South Punjab have not done a single penny’s worth of work. South Punjab is as dear to me as my own son Junaid. I won’t let anyone cast an evil eye on the people of Punjab. I’m not just the CM of southern or central Punjab — I’m the Chief Minister of the entire province.”

She also criticized the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), saying, “BISP only offers Rs. 10,000 in aid. We want to provide support worth Rs. 1 million. What can someone who’s lost hundreds of thousands get from just Rs. 10,000?”

Regarding the transport initiative, Maryam Nawaz said, “A total of 101 buses will operate in Dera Ghazi Khan Division. Electric buses will run in Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Taunsa, and Kot Addu. These eco-friendly buses will offer free travel for women, students, and senior citizens. Ramps will be available for disabled and special persons. There will also be safe and respectable separate spaces for women.”

The Chief Minister expressed her pleasure at the inclusion of women in the Border Military Police for the first time and assured that all cities are being given equal opportunities for development.