The Awami National Party (ANP) has strongly demanded an apology from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his recent remark labeling the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as ‘stupid.’
Nawaz made this derogatory statement while releasing the PML-N’s manifesto in Lahore, sparking criticism from ANP spokesperson Samar Haroon Bilour. Bilour emphasized that such language is inappropriate for a three-time prime minister and leader of the PML-N, especially considering his daughter’s ongoing campaign in the same province.
مسلم لیگ ن کے قائد اور تین بار وزیراعظم پاکستان کے عہدے پر رہنے والے شخص کو یہ زیب نہیں دیتا کہ ایک صوبے کے عوام کو بیوقوف کہے۔ وہ ایسے وقت میں جب انکی دختر اسی صوبے میں انتخابی مہم چلارہی تھی۔ یہ لوگ کس منہ سے یہاں آکر ووٹ مانگیں گے۔ ماضی میں اسی جماعت نے ہمارے حقوق دینے سے… pic.twitter.com/XJORW2X1B9
— Samar Haroon Bilour (@SamarHBilour) January 27, 2024
Bilour pointedly criticized the PML-N, highlighting that the same party had previously denied the people of K-P their rightful due. She raised concerns about a potential repetition of history by Nawaz Sharif. The spokesperson underscored that despite the general respect given to individuals from Punjab in the country, leaders from K-P continue to play significant roles.
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Expressing strong condemnation for Nawaz’s choice of words, the ANP demanded a public apology from the PML-N supremo. Bilour insisted that retracting the statement against the people of K-P is crucial. This demand comes amid the ongoing political activities in the region, making Nawaz’s comments particularly sensitive.
Nawaz Sharif’s mocking of K-P’s state of affairs, questioning the progress under the promised ‘Naya Pakistan,’ has fueled tension between political factions. ANP’s response indicates the significance of respectful political discourse, especially during election campaigns, as the parties vie for support in the upcoming polls.