Maryam Nawaz’s Controversial Provincial Remarks Backfire as Indian Judge Cites Her Statement to Defend Cross-Border Calls

ISLAMABAD Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent statement regarding Pakistan’s internal security and India has sparked a major controversy, with Indian officials now using her remarks to justify their own narratives. Senior journalist Hamid Mir, in response to a tweet by former Indian judge Markandey Katju, pointed out that Indian quarters are now leveraging Maryam Nawaz’s words for their own defense.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), former Indian judge Markandey Katju wrote:

“I have a Pakistani friend who had not been receiving my WhatsApp calls for a long time. Today when I called him, he said that receiving calls from Indians in Pakistan is dangerous. I replied to him that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently said that India is not Pakistan’s enemy, but Pakistan’s enemies are Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. So he should receive my calls without any fear.”

Now Indians are using the statement of Maryam Nawaz in their defense. https://t.co/FsIWeHdKQo

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) September 7, 2026

Reacting to this, Hamid Mir expressed deep concern, stating that Maryam Nawaz’s remarks are now being used by Indian elements to bolster their stance, while also causing distress among the people of occupied Kashmir and freedom activists.

Hamid Mir’s Column: Maryam Nawaz Preparing for Premiership?

In his latest column, senior journalist Hamid Mir launched a scathing critique of Maryam Nawaz’s recent statements, alleging that she is already preparing for the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan. He wrote:

“Maryam Nawaz’s demeanor shows that her target is not merely the chief ministership of a province. She is actively engaged in constitutional and political preparations to assume the office of Prime Minister in the near future. This political ambition is clearly visible in her speeches, press conferences, and public statements.”

Mir further highlighted the gravity of her remarks on terrorism and national security, noting:

“While Maryam Nawaz’s statement has pleasantly surprised the entire India, it has simultaneously caused deep distress and concern among the oppressed people of occupied Kashmir and freedom fighters.”

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز دراصل پاکستان کی وزیرِ اعظم بننے کی تیاری میں ہیں۔ مریم نواز نے فرمایا ہے کہ اُنہیں اپنے پڑوسی ملک سے نہیں بلکہ اپنے پڑوسی صوبوں سے دہشت گردی کے خطرے کا سامنا ہے۔ یہ بلوچستان اور خیبرپختونخوا میں بھارتی سازشوں کی تردید ہے https://t.co/Cg94gK6oTY

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) September 7, 2026

He also pointed out the irony that if any PTI leader had made such a statement, an FIR would have been lodged against them immediately, but the same rules do not apply to her because of her political background.

Key Points:

Indian Judge Cites Maryam’s Words: Former Indian judge Markandey Katju used Maryam Nawaz’s statement to tell a Pakistani friend that receiving Indian calls is not dangerous.

Hamid Mir’s Criticism: Mir warned that her remarks are strengthening India’s position while alarming Kashmiris.

Premiership Ambitions: Mir claimed Maryam Nawaz is preparing for the Prime Minister’s office, not just provincial leadership.

Double Standard Alleged: Critics note that similar remarks by PTI leaders would have invited FIRs and legal action.

National Security Concerns: Her statement that “India is not Pakistan’s enemy” is seen as contrary to the state’s official narrative.