Lahore (Staff Reporter)
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that extremism, violence, or destruction of property in the name of politics or religion will not be tolerated.
Addressing the Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen (Inter-Muslim Unity) Committee in Lahore, she stated that respect for embassies is a universal norm, yet during recent protests, violent elements attacked people while Palestinians were celebrating peace in Gaza. “Security personnel were shot during a protest staged in the name of Gaza. The images of violence I have seen are beyond imagination,” she said.
Maryam Nawaz acknowledged that while her government holds political differences with Jamaat-e-Islami and JUI-F, these parties did not resort to violence or use weapons. “No religious group before has used such disgraceful tactics,” she remarked.
Speaking about the misuse of religious slogans, she said: “The word Labbaik is sacred—it is what we say before Allah while in Ihram. But in the past, certain political groups were created to exploit religion for political purposes. That party has poisoned minds rather than served faith.”
Referring to recent unrest, the Chief Minister said that while Muslims worldwide celebrated the Gaza peace agreement, some elements in Pakistan called for a march on Islamabad. “Not one of them spoke about Palestine—they only incited violence and hatred,” she noted.
Commenting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Maryam Nawaz said, “When PTI engaged in political struggle, no one objected. But when they raised arms against the state and set public property on fire, their downfall began. PTI has moved beyond the realm of politics.”
She further urged all religious groups to distance themselves from violent elements. “Our party has never taken up arms. No true religious organization has ever used modern weapons. Everyone has the right to do politics, including religious parties—but it must remain peaceful,” she concluded.