LAHORE: Those trying to destabilise country under garb of politics and democracy will not get any lenient treatment, said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz-a day after police crackdown on SIC [PTI] leaders and activists who staged protests against alleged rigging in February 8 polls.

Maryam said law would come into action if there was threat of damaging public property or harming people, when reporter asked question on subject during an informal and short interaction.

“It isn’t political victimisation”, she stressed and added that one had to act like responsible citizen in case of protest.  Maryam said, “If you think that [you] will use your democratic right to spread political chaos in country, then I will not allow [you] to do so.”

She mentioned that she watched video in which woman attacked police vehicle and got some individuals free by force. In which country it was allowed to help people flee by attacking law enforcers, she questioned.

Replying to another question, she admitted that government did not have any organised system to fix rates and control prices and said there were governance problems which would take time to be addressed-statement in backdrop of rising inflation, especially food prices.

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at Chief Minister’s office here.

Executive Director Pakistan Region Neil Steward, First Secretary Alicia Sosa and Trade Commissioner Ali Khan were also presented at meeting. High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon congratulated Maryam Nawaz Sharif on becoming first woman Chief Minister of Punjab. Meeting focused on exploring avenues to enhance economic relations between Canada and Punjab.

Discussions included increasing scholarships for Punjab students at Canadian higher education institutions. Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her commitment to elevating economic ties with Canada.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 12 2024

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