Maryam Nawaz Refuses to Apologize Amid PPP-PMLN Rift Over Floods, Water Dispute

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has firmly declared she will “never apologize” to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), intensifying a rift within the ruling coalition. The dispute began over flood compensation and escalated into a row on Punjab’s water rights. Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, Maryam criticized the PPP for politicizing Punjab’s suffering during devastating floods. “When Punjab faced destruction, instead of supporting us, some mocked and spread lies,” she said, referencing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s press conferences. She added that she had even offered help to KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur despite political differences. Maryam rejected accusations that she celebrated other provinces’ misfortunes, saying, “Those in other provinces are my Pakistani brothers and sisters.” She also defended her government’s decision not to use BISP funds, instead deploying 10,000 officials to conduct door-to-door flood assessments. On PPP’s parliamentary walkouts, she retorted: “Why should I apologize? It is their spokesperson who owes Punjab an apology.” The CM stressed Punjab’s rights over canal projects and warned critics: “Think 100 times before talking negatively about Punjab.” However, she distanced herself from derogatory remarks made by YouTuber Rizwan Razi, emphasizing respect between provinces.