Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif criticized the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for lagging behind in development. She said the province was “still living in the stone age” while Punjab embraced modern technology and education programs. Her remarks came during a laptop distribution event at a Gujrat university on Monday, drawing sharp political attention.
CM Maryam highlighted Punjab’s access to Honhaar scholarships, laptop schemes, Parwaz Cards, green buses, and technical training programs. She contrasted these initiatives with KP, claiming students there lacked basic tools to meet global education standards. The Punjab CM emphasized that development should focus on tangible benefits rather than mere awareness campaigns or political slogans.
اِدھر ہونہار ہے، اُدھر انتشار ہے۔ لیکن یہ خوشی کی بات نہیں۔ میں پہلے پاکستانی ہوں، پنجابی بعد میں۔ پاکستانی ہونے کے ناطے افسوس ہے کہ خیبر پختونخوا کے لوگ پتھر کے زمانے میں ہیں، انہیں ترقی اور ہونہار اسکالرشپ، لیپ ٹاپ اور گیجٹس کا احساس نہیں۔
وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نواز شریف pic.twitter.com/oNZjipq56X
— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 16, 2026
Read more: Maryam Nawaz transforms Punjab with tech and research
She also criticized road blockades in KP, noting that these actions disrupted local businesses and hindered economic activity within the province. Maryam stressed that Punjab remained unaffected by PTI protests, underscoring the contrast between administrative priorities. She further warned that political disagreements should not escalate into personal attacks or public incitement.
Maryam recalled her family’s experiences in imprisonment, highlighting personal losses and public ridicule of her father and mother’s health issues. She stressed the importance of empathy and respect for opponents, saying political differences must not harm human dignity. The CM assured that facilities for ex-PM Imran Khan’s health were sufficient and condemned any false political narratives.
آج اللہ تعالیٰ کے فضل سے نواز شریف اقتدار میں ہیں، ان کی بیٹی وزیر اعلیٰ ہے اور ان کے بھائی وزیر اعظم ہیں۔ مگر میں اللہ کو حاضر ناظر جان کر کہتی ہوں کہ نہ میں نے، نہ نواز شریف نے، نہ شہباز شریف نے کبھی یہ سوچا کہ کسی مخالف کی سہولت چھین لی جائے۔ کبھی یہ خیال نہیں آیا کہ اس کا اے… pic.twitter.com/ZBxFB2Rm02
— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 16, 2026
Read more: Maryam Nawaz transforms Punjab with tech and research
Concluding her address, Maryam urged politicians to reject lies, accusations, and vandalism while prioritizing citizen welfare. She reinforced that progress requires practical steps, technological advancement, and transparent governance. Her comments reflect ongoing political tensions between Punjab’s ruling PML-N and KP’s PTI government.