AI-generated videos of CM Maryam circulate online following handshake controversy

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s handshake with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his recent visit to Pakistan sparked a controversy, with AI-generated videos circulating on X from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters' accounts.

The controversy erupted when PTI supporters seized upon CM Maryam’s interaction with the Emirati President, labeling it inappropriate.

They also criticised her for contradicting an earlier statement in which she had claimed that she could not appear before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials because they were "na-mehram."

Although several PTI leaders, including Salman Akram Raja and Sher Afzal Marwart, expressed their disapproval over the sensationalisation of the issue, PTI supporters and some pro-Imran Khan journalists continued to criticise CM Maryam, accusing her of failing to respect the country’s cultural values.

The controversy began when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially welcomed the UAE President on Sunday in Rahim Yar Khan, with CM Maryam Nawaz also present to greet the distinguished guest.

During the meeting, CM Maryam warmly greeted Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a handshake, which quickly went viral on social media, attracting widespread criticism from PTI supporters.

In the aftermath, AI-generated images and videos of CM Maryam allegedly jumping to hug the Emirati President began circulating from pro-PTI accounts.

Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for running a smear campaign against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

She pointed out that while PTI members, including Zulfi Bukhari, extended their own greetings to the UAE President, the party simultaneously ran a negative campaign against CM Maryam and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on social media.