Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Thursday finally broke an almost four-month-long silence, saying she cannot be threatened or intimidated in backing off from her narrative.
“I remained silent due to some personal reasons … my resolve against this [PTI] government has further strengthened and I cannot be threatened,” she told media in Islamabad after a meeting with former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi here at his residence. “First, if anyone thinks that by putting me in jail without any reason I can be scared or subdued, they should know that my resolve to stand by civilian supremacy and constitution has strengthened, not weakened,” the former premier’s daughter said.
Maryam said her father is critically ill, with one of his heart arteries 80-90 percent blocked for which a procedural treatment will be carried out soon. “Although my brothers and a sister are taking care of my father in London, but I, being a daughter, too wish to be there when his [Nawaz Sharif] procedural treatment is carried out,” she said. “They say that my bothers are over there, yes they are over there and are looking after him, but we only have one father. I wish to be by his side during his operation. This is a legal wish and it shouldn’t be politicised,” the PML-N leader said.
“Media had reported [Nawaz] as saying that he will not get treatment in Maryam’s absence. This is completely false, he did not say that,” she said. “He was hospitalised twice and everything was booked and by chance, both times, my court hearing was scheduled around the time [his procedure was scheduled to take place]. So he said ‘we can wait for a day or two, if Maryam gets permission to travel, I will get the procedure done. Otherwise we’ll see once her hearing is over’,” she said. “It’s true that my brothers are with him and my sisters as well and they are looking after him day and night […] But he is as much my father as he is of my other siblings. I want to be there with him when he is going through a major heart procedure and I’m sure he wants all his children to be with him, given that it has not been long since my mother passed away. So this is a very valid wish and I don’t think this should be politicised,” she said.
“If I get permission [to travel] then it’s fine but if courts don’t allow me to leave then I urge Mian sahib to get his procedure done as soon as possible,” she said. “My father went abroad for medical treatment and [when he left] his life was in danger. Now he is better than before. I don’t want to cause him pain and do not want him to abandon treatment and return because of me,” she added.
Answering a question, Maryam said, “I am bound by party discipline, and will play my role as per the leadership’s directives. I will speak and you will find me in the front rows when the party leadership asks me to do so.”
Replying to another question, she said Nawaz Sharif was allowed to visit abroad on medical grounds, keeping in view his critical health condition.
Earlier, Maryam held a meeting with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and appreciated him for being loyal to the PML-N despite facing cases. “I pay tribute to Khaqan Abbasi for facing the jail with courage and remaining loyal to the party,” she said.
Later, Maryam Nawaz along with Khaqan Abbasi, Khurram Dastagir and other PML-N leaders, visited the residence of Ahsan Iqbal. Talking to the media on the occasion, Maryam acknowledged the steadfastness of party leaders and workers, particularly Ahsan Iqbal. Ahsan Iqbal recounted the achievements of his party’s government.
