Maryam Nawaz's remarks spark Article 6 demand in KP Assembly
The resolution was approved by a majority after lawmakers objected to her comments about threats coming from neighbouring provinces.
The matter led to a heated discussion in the provincial legislature, with lawmakers accusing the Punjab chief minister of making remarks that could damage relations between provinces.
The resolution was presented by Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi during a session chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
It said the remarks could encourage hatred between provinces, weaken national unity and create problems for the federation.
Lawmakers strongly criticise Maryam Nawaz
The controversy centres on comments in which Maryam Nawaz said Punjab faced greater security threats from “neighbouring provinces than neighbouring countries”.
She also said terrorism entered Punjab through its borders.
KP lawmakers strongly objected to the statement and argued that terrorism was a national problem rather than an issue belonging to one province.
Housing Minister Amjad Ali said the remarks were not limited to political differences with PTI and instead appeared to target the wider province.
He called the comments insulting and demanded that the Punjab chief minister apologise on the floor of the assembly.
“She must apologise on the floor of the house for saying that Punjab faces threats not from India but from other provinces,” he said.
Amjad Ali also raised questions about the history of militancy in the region and the role of different governments and foreign powers.
He referred to the long period during which militants were supported and trained, saying KP eventually became one of the main areas affected by terrorism.
Concerns over national security narrative
Information Minister Shafi Jan also criticised the Punjab chief minister’s statement during the assembly session.
He claimed the remarks amounted to giving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “clean chit” and questioned whether Pakistan’s existing security narrative was being undermined.
Shafi Jan said the statement was made deliberately and could potentially be used against Pakistan at an international forum.
He also recalled the displacement of people from KP during military operations against militants.
According to him, displaced families had faced difficulties when attempts were made to move into Punjab during an earlier period of conflict.
The debate then moved beyond Maryam Nawaz’s remarks and touched on wider concerns about state institutions and the country’s political situation.
Assembly questions state institutions
During the session, Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi read out the oath taken by judges after being asked by the speaker to address the issue.
He questioned whether judges were following their constitutional responsibilities and claimed those who adhered to their oath faced transfers or other consequences.
Afridi also read out the oath of the chief election commissioner.
He claimed that the incumbent chief election commissioner’s term had ended on January 26, 2025, but that he remained in office with continued support.
On the speaker’s instructions, the oath of the armed forces was also read in the house.
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati then questioned whether the country’s major institutions were fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.
“Are courts delivering justice? Is the ECP performing its duties? Are the armed forces abiding by their oath?” the speaker asked.
Lawmakers responded negatively to each question, reflecting the growing political tension inside the assembly.
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ANP calls remarks an insult to KP
Higher Education Minister Meena Khan said the issue should not be viewed as a personal political dispute.
He said the matter involved three provinces and stressed that the fight against terrorism was being carried out on behalf of the state.
ANP lawmaker Muhammad Nisar also criticised the Punjab chief minister’s remarks.
He described the statement as an insult to the people of KP and Balochistan and argued that residents of these provinces had suffered heavily during years of conflict.
“This war has been imposed on us to appease the Americans,” he said, adding that Punjab had not experienced the conflict in the same way.
Nisar also questioned why security forces could maintain law and order in Punjab but struggled to provide the same level of security in KP.
His comments highlighted the long-running differences between provinces over terrorism, security operations and the distribution of their impact.
PML-N rejects interpretation of remarks
PML-N MNA Amna Sardar defended Maryam Nawaz and rejected the criticism from treasury members.
She said Maryam Nawaz had never specifically mentioned Pakhtuns in her statement.
According to Sardar, lawmakers had added the word “Pakhtun” while interpreting the Punjab chief minister’s remarks.
She accused the treasury benches of deliberately creating divisions between people and provinces.
Sardar maintained that Maryam Nawaz’s comments were being misunderstood and misrepresented for political purposes.
The disagreement showed how quickly the issue had turned from a discussion about security into a wider political dispute between provincial lawmakers.
Resolution adds to political tensions
The KP Assembly’s resolution now puts further political pressure on Maryam Nawaz over her comments.
The demand for Article 6 action is particularly serious because Article 6 of the Constitution concerns high treason.
However, the assembly’s resolution itself does not automatically establish such a case or determine legal responsibility.
The debate also revealed deeper disagreements over terrorism, provincial rights and the role of state institutions.
While KP lawmakers argued that the province had suffered heavily from militancy, PML-N members said the Punjab chief minister’s comments were being taken out of context.
