The Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA) executive council has condemned Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as “irresponsible” and based on prejudice, and demanded an unconditional public apology.
The council meeting was chaired by PHCBA President Aminur Rehman Yousafzai, while General Secretary Ashfaq Ahmad Daudzai conducted the proceedings, according to a press release.
The council said the remarks were an insult to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and could fuel hatred and provoke anti-national sentiments. It stressed that such statements were particularly harmful at a time when national unity and inter-provincial harmony were crucial.
The PHCBA highlighted the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism, noting that thousands of civilians, police officers and security personnel had lost their lives for the country’s peace and stability.
“Terrorism is not specific to one province; it is an issue faced by the entire nation,” the council said, adding that blaming an individual province was “regrettable, condemnable and unacceptable”.
The council called on the Punjab chief minister to withdraw her remarks, publicly apologise to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the Pakhtun community, and acknowledge the sacrifices made by residents, police and security forces in combating terrorism.
It stressed that the country needed unity rather than division, warning that divisive political statements could further deepen differences among provinces.
The council said political leaders had a responsibility to promote unity among the country’s provinces and communities rather than create discord.
It also called for greater respect, harmony and brotherhood among the provinces, saying recognition of the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was essential for Pakistan’s peace, stability and national unity.
