Maryam rejects foreign aid for flood relief, criticises PPP

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday ruled out seeking international aid for flood relief efforts in the province, saying her government would address the crisis using its own resources. She also criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for, in her words, politicising the disaster.

Speaking at the launch of Punjab’s first electric bus service in Dera Ghazi Khan, Maryam said four consecutive months of heavy rainfall had caused the worst flooding in the province’s history. She rejected calls for international assistance, remarking that Punjab would not “beg” for help and had not requested any funds from the federal government either.

“I have not taken or even asked for one rupee from the prime minister,” she said, adding that the provincial administration was preparing compensation of up to Rs1 million for affected families.

She also questioned the effectiveness of the Benazir Income Support Programme, saying the Rs10,000 payout was insufficient for families who had lost property worth millions.

The chief minister took aim at PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, suggesting he should focus on his own province rather than Punjab’s affairs.

“Keep your advice to yourself. We will manage Punjab ourselves,” she said, while advising PPP spokespersons to refrain from commenting on Punjab’s handling of the floods.

Maryam further underscored her commitment to equitable development across Punjab, particularly South Punjab, which she described as “as dear to me as my own son.” She highlighted initiatives including ration cards, school milk provision, and welfare programmes for working families.

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Alongside her remarks on flood relief, Maryam inaugurated the new electric bus service for South Punjab. In its first phase, 24 of the 101 buses will operate in Dera Ghazi Khan, equipped with facilities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, charging ports, CCTV cameras, and dedicated compartments for women. The service will offer free travel for women, students, senior citizens, and will be accessible to persons with disabilities.