Pakistan's Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz asserted that no country could easily attack Pakistan due to its nuclear capabilities. She also addressed the escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border.
Pakistan: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently issued a statement highlighting Pakistan's strength and nuclear arsenal. She stated that no attack on Pakistan could be easily launched due to the country's nuclear power. This statement came amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan along their shared border, particularly following a terrorist attack in Pulwama, Kashmir.
Maryam's Statement on Rising Tensions Between Pakistan and India
Addressing a gathering, Maryam Nawaz stated, "Tensions are rising along the India-Pakistan border, but there is no need for panic, as Pakistan possesses nuclear power and Allah has granted the Pakistani army the strength to defend the country." She further emphasized that no country could attack Pakistan because it is a nuclear power. Maryam urged unity with the Pakistani army, transcending political differences, and stressed the need for collective action against any external aggression.
Crediting Nawaz Sharif with Nuclear Capability
In her statement, Maryam Nawaz credited her father and former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with acquiring nuclear capabilities. She said, "Pakistan's strength stems from the sacrifices of its martyrs, and Nawaz Sharif played a historic role in making Pakistan a nuclear power." This statement was significant given the perceived need for unity between Pakistan's government and military, especially following the terrorist attack in Kashmir.
Questions Raised Over Nawaz Sharif's Silence
While Maryam Nawaz made a statement regarding Pakistan's nuclear capabilities, her father, Nawaz Sharif, has yet to comment on the Pulwama attack. Sources within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) suggest Nawaz Sharif favors diplomatic efforts to establish peace between the two nuclear-armed nations, rather than an aggressive stance. However, this silence has drawn criticism within Pakistan.
Opposition Parties Criticize Nawaz Sharif
Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Moonis Elahi, criticized Nawaz Sharif. He tweeted, questioning Nawaz Sharif's silence when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and took harsh measures against Pakistan. Elahi further questioned, "Are Nawaz-Modi interests above Pakistan's interests?"
Similarly, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif faced criticism for referring to Pakistan as a "terrorist country" in an interview. Opposition leaders questioned this statement, suggesting Asif should have avoided such language at this time.
Increasing Pressure on Nawaz Sharif and his Party
Pressure is mounting on Nawaz Sharif from opposition parties, raising numerous questions about his silence on the matter. Following Maryam Nawaz's statement, it remains to be seen how Pakistan's government and military will manage this tense situation.
