Punjab govt’s 60-page advertisement for CM Maryam’s one-year performance draws ire

As readers flipped through their morning newspapers, they were met with an overwhelming display of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s images and reports on her government’s achievements. The Punjab government had published an extensive 60-page advertisement, surprising journalists and politicians alike.

Many criticised newspaper outlets and editors for publishing such an extensive government-sponsored advertisement, arguing that it undermined the integrity of journalism in the country.

Social media users also took aim at Maryam Nawaz, accusing her of excessively promoting her government’s achievements in a manner that raised questions about its credibility.

Several readers shared videos and pictures online, showing Urdu newspapers dominated by never-ending Punjab government advertisements.

PPP leader Farhatullah Babar strongly condemned the move, warning that it could harm Maryam Nawaz’s reputation.

"A newspaper supplement to advertise performance is understandable. But the  6o-page supplement today at public expense is a monstrosity. Whosoever placed 170 pictures of Maryam Nawaz in its first 30 pages has done a monstrous disservice to her & her government," he wrote on X.

Journalist Absa Komal also criticised the newspapers, saying they had lost their credibility.

“These newspapers have no connection with journalism anymore. Should they now be considered mere advertising platforms for the Punjab government? The government’s obsession with flattery and propaganda will fade, but the lost reputation of these newspapers will never be restored. The owners and editors have brought shame to journalism,” she wrote.

Analyst and professor Huma Baqai suggested that the advertisement campaign appeared to signal an early election drive by PML-N, possibly aimed at sidelining Shehbaz Sharif.

"Really! Is the hard working salaried middle class paying exorbitant taxes for this kind of shame less promotion , How do you shame the shame less . with children out of school , health care in taters , farmers not being given fair prices ….  this is almost repulsive and on second thoughts is PML N on an early election campaign minus Shahbaz Shareef," her post read.