Journalist Ahmed Waraich Challenges PML-N Lawmaker Over Maryam Nawaz’s Popularity
LAHORE:Journalist and political commentator Ahmed Waraich has challenged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Shamaila Rana to assess Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s popularity by directly asking ordinary citizens in public places.
The challenge came amid an ongoing debate over Maryam Nawaz’s performance and public support. Shamaila Rana argued that criticism of the chief minister over the use of an aircraft and other issues was evidence that she was active and working, saying public figures who work also face criticism.
She said that Maryam Nawaz’s actual popularity should not be judged through social media discussions or drawing-room debates, but by going into the field and asking ordinary people about her performance.
Referring to the Punjab government’s welfare initiatives, Rana said the views of women benefiting from the Dhee Rani Scheme, citizens benefiting from the Suthra Punjab programme, farmers who had received Kisan Cards and interest-free loans, and low-income people benefiting from the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme should be considered when assessing the chief minister’s performance.
She further claimed that if she began listing the Punjab government’s public welfare projects, there would not be enough time during a television talk show to mention them all. ([UrduPoint][1])
Responding to her remarks, Ahmed Waraich issued a challenge on social media platform X.
“Madam, come with me to any ordinary market and let us ask people as they walk by,” Waraich wrote, according to his post. He said such an exercise would provide a clearer picture of public opinion about Maryam Nawaz.
The exchange comes as the use of government aircraft by the Punjab chief minister and debate over her performance have remained subjects of political discussion. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has also recently defended Maryam Nawaz, saying the criticism was related to her performance and popularity, while maintaining that the expenses of the chief minister’s London visit would be paid by her personally. ([Geo News][2])
The latest statements by Rana and Waraich represent differing political and journalistic views about how Maryam Nawaz’s public support should be assessed. No independent public-opinion survey was cited in either statement.
