Sindh and Kashmir Must Not Be Turned Into Subjects of Mockery, Says Sharjeel Memon Criticizing Nawaz Sharif

KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has criticized Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif over his recent remarks, stating that political differences should never become a reason to ridicule any province, city, or region of Pakistan.

Responding to Nawaz Sharif’s statement, Memon said, “Politics will continue, but the land and people of Sindh and Kashmir must not be turned into subjects of satire and mockery.”

He emphasized that while political disagreements are natural in a democratic system, insulting any province, city, or region is unacceptable. He described the former prime minister’s remarks as both irresponsible and inappropriate.

Memon said that using the name of any city or district in a political speech for ridicule or unfavorable comparison reflects poor political judgment. He added that although Nawaz Sharif had stated in his speech that there should be no bitterness in politics, his own words were contributing to unnecessary political division and resentment.

Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah also criticized Nawaz Sharif’s address, alleging that he had insulted the historic city of Mirpurkhas and its people. He said political differences should not justify mocking or belittling any city or region.

Zulfiqar Ali Shah noted that Mirpurkhas holds significant importance in Sindh’s history, culture, agriculture, and the national economy. He said the people of Mirpurkhas have always played a positive role in Pakistan’s development and democratic process.

He further alleged that after running out of political arguments, Nawaz Sharif had resorted to disparaging cities and their residents. He claimed that the people of Sindh reject what he described as the PML-N’s anti-Sindh mindset and demanded that Nawaz Sharif apologize to the people of Mirpurkhas for his remarks.

Commenting on the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Zulfiqar Ali Shah said the PML-N leadership was making its final attempts to revive its political fortunes. He maintained that the people of Azad Kashmir are politically aware and would not be misled.

He added that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remains committed to his public-centric manifesto and enjoys a longstanding relationship with the people of Azad Kashmir that cannot be weakened by political rhetoric.

Separately, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians’ Central Information Secretary Shazia Marri said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision is to ensure equal rights, dignity, and opportunities for every Kashmiri. She stated that he is striving for a brighter and more empowered future for the people of Kashmir.

Marri said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has advocated the rights of self-governance, ownership, and employment for the people of Kashmir, adding that there is nothing objectionable in demanding that Kashmiris be allowed to make decisions about their own future.

She advised the PML-N to present its policy agenda for Kashmir before the public rather than targeting its political allies. According to her, the people of Kashmir are seeking solutions to their problems rather than political accusations.

Marri further stated that Nawaz Sharif continues to repeat political narratives that, she claimed, remained unfulfilled despite his three terms in office. She maintained that the public now values practical politics over promises and has placed its hopes for a brighter future in Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership.

She concluded by saying that the PPP’s politics is founded on equality, respect, and public service, expressing confidence that the people of Kashmir would support the party in the upcoming elections scheduled for July 27.

The statements in this report reflect the views and political positions of PPP leaders and their criticism of Nawaz Sharif. No response from Nawaz Sharif or the PML-N was included in the statements cited.