Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made a categorical statement on Wednesday evening, declaring that taking up arms and committing arson in the name of politics or religion is “absolutely unacceptable".

Speaking at a meeting of the Ittehad-e-Muslimeen Committee, the chief minister said that while politics is a right for everyone, including religious parties, violence, chaos, and attacks on innocent people cannot be justified under any circumstances.

CM Maryam said the government had no desire to target any political or religious group but had to act when the law was openly challenged. “We have to see why there was a need to take action against a party,” she said, stressing that protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s foremost duty.

The chief minister revealed that police personnel were fired upon, and she expressed shock at the money and weapons found in raids on certain offices. “I was stunned to see the arms and funds recovered. Some people had taken politics to a dangerous level,” she remarked.

False claims, incitement to violence

Maryam Nawaz also criticized those spreading false information, saying, “A person sitting in Adiala Jail was giving false information about the deaths.” She accused certain leaders of inciting their workers to attack unarmed people, calling such acts a “disgrace to politics and religion.”

She emphasised, “No religion allows unjustified attacks on others. They cannot allow targeting innocent people or damaging property under the guise of political or religious causes.”

Appeal to religious parties for unity, restraint

Maryam Nawaz urged religious parties to distance themselves from violent elements, noting that some groups were “brought into the field just to humiliate others.” She said, “Everyone has the right to do politics, and religious parties can also play their role — but within the limits of law and humanity.”

The chief minister pointed out that vehicles were torched, arson committed, and public property in Punjab was damaged during recent protests. “A strike was announced on the Gaza peace agreement, but instead of showing solidarity with Palestinians, our people ended up hurting their own,” she lamented.

'Our hearts ache for Gaza'

Maryam expressed deep sympathy for the people of Palestine, saying, “Our heart beats and also hurts for the Muslims of Gaza. Seeing the atrocities there, it feels like the apocalypse passes through our hearts.”

She welcomed the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and questioned whether the recent violent protesters had any genuine concern for Palestine. “Did the protesters truly sympathize with the Palestinians?” she asked.

Maryam Nawaz added that embassies are respected worldwide, and no religious party has ever used such “low tactics” in the name of protest.

Upholding peace, responsibility

Concluding her remarks, the chief minister reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property is her government’s responsibility. She called on all religious and political parties to play a constructive role in maintaining harmony and to reject violence as a means of expression.