LAHORE: The invitation extended to Punjab Chief Minister and leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), Maryam Nawaz, to serve as the chief guest at an event hosted by Aitchison College in Lahore sparked widespread protest, leading to retraction of the invitation, CNN-News18 reported on Monday.
Thousands of emails poured in, with many voicing opposition to Nawaz’s attendance and expressing support for imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan. Amid mounting pressure, Nawaz was eventually asked not to participate.
The dissent primarily stemmed from parents and alumni of the esteemed institution, who collectively dispatched nearly 1,000 emails urging Nawaz to withdraw from the event. Their sentiment was clear – they opposed the idea of someone they deemed dishonest being honored as the chief guest at such a prestigious gathering.
Furthermore, chants reverberated through the crowd, with many rallying behind slogans like ‘Tera Yaar, Mera Yaar Qaidi number 804’ in support of Khan, who currently resides as prisoner number 804 in Adiala Jail. Recent reports from the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab suggested that Khan had been targeted in an assault by three individuals of Afghan descent.
This protest echoed sentiments previously witnessed during the Premier Match opening, where similar slogans were raised in solidarity with Khan.
Maryam Nawaz, who made history as the first woman to hold the office of Chief Minister in any province of Pakistan, acknowledged the challenges she faced in establishing her place within the ranks of the ruling PML-N, a party founded by her father, Nawaz Sharif.
