Shahbaz Gill criticizes PML-N leadership for ‘targeting’ first lady

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill on Tuesday lashed out at PML-N’s leadership for targeting Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi in their political speeches.

“They [PML-N] have a history of maligning women — whether they are politicians or not — for their political motives,” the special assistant said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.  

He added, “The PML-N makes allegations of black magic. People belonging to different schools of thought live in Pakistan and they all have different beliefs. Such insinuations are tantamount to hurting personal beliefs.”

Gill also hit back at PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif for claiming that “large quantity of meat was being burnt” at the PM’s Bani Gala residence. “Around 500 houses are situated near Bani Gala. Is it possible to burn meat in such a large quantity without being noticed by anyone,” he questioned.

“You [Shehbaz Sharif] are making such ‘absurd and shameful’ allegations because you don’t have any important thing to say,” said the PM’s aide, adding: “You don’t have any right to disrespect anyone’s beliefs.”

The special assistant told journalists, “You would remember how, through a helicopter, fake and objectionable pictures of Benazir Bhutto and her mother were thrown by PML-N,” adding “You would also remember the words used for Benazir at 90s gatherings.”

“It is unfortunate that in the last three years, these people have targeted the first lady,” the SAPM said. “What’s her crime? That she’s the nation’s daughter? That she’s a mother, a sister, a wife? Or that she is an ummati of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)?

He was responding to the allegations levelled by PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz against the first lady. Maryam while addressing a rally in the federal capital on Monday claimed that a “shocking corruption scandal” involving Bushra Bibi and one of her close friends, Farah Bibi will be exposed soon.

On Monday, PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz had levelled allegations against the first lady. Maryam while addressing a rally in the federal capital claimed that a “shocking corruption scandal” involving Bushra Bibi and one of her close friends, Farah Bibi will be exposed soon.

Referring to that allegation today, Gill acknowledged that the woman Maryam spoke of was indeed a close aide of the first lady. “However she has nothing to do with politics. She isn’t a politician and doesn’t hold any public office either,” the SAPM said.

Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif, in an interview to a private TV channel, had claimed that witchcraft was being done at Bani Gala — Prime Minister Imran Khan’s private residence.