Azma Bukhari slams PTI for smear campaign on CM Maryam, UAE President handshake

Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for running a smear campaign against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over her interaction with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the UAE President on Sunday in Rahim Yar Khan, with CM Maryam Nawaz also present to greet the state guest.

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

Many deemed the gesture inappropriate, labeling it "against Islamic principles," as women are traditionally discouraged from shaking hands with non-mahram men.

Several PTI accounts on X circulated the handshake picture with disrespectful captions, targeting CM Maryam. Some called it a violation of "Islamic values." 

In response, Azma Zahid Bukhari took aim at PTI leaders for their alleged double standards.

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.

Taking to X, Bukhari accused Zulfi Bukhari of hypocrisy, highlighting his warm reception of the UAE President despite PTI's online attacks.

She also criticised Shahbaz Gill for his harsh remarks, where he labeled the handshake as a "hand hug" and accused Maryam Nawaz of disregarding Pakistan’s "culture and values."

Azma Bukhari rebuked Gill after he later posted a message praising the UAE President, accusing him of running a smear campaign against CM Maryam while lauding the same state guest.

Although the handshake drew criticism from various social media users, neither PML-N nor Maryam Nawaz addressed the backlash.