"Demeaning women is despicable:" Salman Akram Raja on CM Maryam's handshake controversy

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja strongly condemned the widely circulated pictures and videos of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on social media.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Salman Akram Raja shared a video in which he conveyed Imran Khan's message regarding the Emirati President's visit to Pakistan.

In his statement, Raja said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder expressed goodwill towards Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, considering him a special guest of Pakistan.

Amid the controversy surrounding the handshake between CM Maryam Nawaz and the UAE President, Salman Akram Raja categorically condemned the 'derogatory content 'circulating on social media. He emphasised that such behavior was unacceptable and harmful.

The PTI leader clarified that he had not issued any statement regarding the interaction between CM Maryam and the Emirati President.

He further added, “I have nothing whatsoever to do with any X handle that has shared derogatory content, and I firmly condemn such actions.”

Raja’s remarks were made in response to a fake letter allegedly from the Emirati government, which had been promoted through social media, falsely attributed to his X handle.

“All acts of vulgarity, the demeaning of women of any political affiliation, and the spreading of fake images and texts for political point-scoring are despicable,” he stated firmly.

He also lamented that the controversy was fueled by individuals who claim to uphold the politics of dignity and freedom. His comments seemed to be directed at certain party workers who had sensationalised the interaction between CM Maryam and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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.