PTI leader criticises CM Maryam over handshake with Arab officials

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Khalid Nisar Dogar raised objections in the Punjab Assembly over Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's handshake with Arab dignitaries during her visit to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on the assembly floor, Dogar expressed disappointment, saying, “She doesn’t even shake hands with Uzma Kardar, but she was seen shaking hands with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia.”

He further questioned angrily, “What is going on in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?”

Dogar then directed his criticism toward the government benches, challenging PML-N lawmakers for allegedly stopping PTI members from raising party flags.

The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly repeatedly urged Dogar to speak on the agenda regarding wheat or take his seat.

Fact Check: UAE asks Pakistan to act against social media campaign targeting CM Maryam and Emirati President?

CM Maryam Nawaz faced online criticism and harassment after a video showed her shaking hands with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to Pakistan.

Several AI-altered versions of the video went viral, prompting law enforcement to take action, resulting in the arrest of individuals responsible for spreading the doctored content.

The incident occurred on January 2, 2025, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the UAE President in Rahim Yar Khan.

CM Maryam Nawaz was also present and extended a formal handshake to the visiting dignitary, which drew backlash from PTI supporters on social media.

Read: FIA arrests eight over sharing fake photos of Maryam Nawaz

Several PTI-affiliated accounts also criticised her for a handshake with the Emir of Qatar.

However, it is worth noting that past Pakistani female leaders, including Benazir Bhutto and Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, have also exchanged formal handshakes with foreign dignitaries as part of diplomatic protocol.