A political feud in Pakistan has escalated to the point where finger-breaking threats are being made between Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto. Bilawal, the head of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has questioned the actions of Maryam, the Chief Minister of Punjab. In response, Maryam has threatened to break the fingers of people like Bilawal.
During a rally, Maryam stated that some individuals were politicizing the flood situation. She noted that Punjab was suffering due to the floods, and her government was working to address the crisis. However, some people were raising questions. She stated that if anyone wanted to personally attack her, they could, but if they questioned the flood response, she would break their fingers.
The statement by Maryam Nawaz has caused an uproar in the National Assembly. PPP parliamentarians have demanded an immediate apology from Maryam. PPP members in the Assembly have emphasized that violence has no place in political discourse. They have stated that Maryam’s choice of words towards Bilawal was inappropriate.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government and its party are trying to de-escalate the issue. The Punjab government’s focus is on improving the flood-affected conditions, for which it requires resources.
How did the conflict between the two escalate to this level? Maryam Nawaz’s PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto’s PPP are currently in a coalition government. This raises the question of how their dispute reached the point of finger-breaking threats. There are three primary reasons:
1. Bilawal Bhutto wants to strengthen the emergency fund established in the name of his mother, Benazir Bhutto. He wants all funds to be deposited there and used by the government for public expenditure. Maryam disagrees with this proposal and has rejected the system outright.
2. Bilawal Bhutto has his sights set on Pakistan’s Punjab province. Punjab is the largest province, holding the majority of National Assembly seats. Currently, Bilawal’s party governs Sindh and Balochistan. Gaining ground in Punjab could make the PPP the largest party in Pakistan.
3. The floods in Punjab have displaced 2 million people, causing an estimated loss of 36 billion rupees. It is not easy for the government to provide compensation. Maryam’s government has yet to announce a relief package for the affected people, which has led to questions. Maryam is concerned that increased scrutiny of the issue could create difficulties for her.