PML-N's Maryam Nawaz Asserts Game Over for PTI as Party Faces Senior Member Exodus

In a powerful address at the PML-N's youth convention in Vehari, Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), delivered a scathing critique of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, declaring that the "game is over" for him in light of the significant departure of senior PTI members. The fiery speech touched upon the events of May 9, a pivotal day that saw the arrest of Imran Khan and subsequent countrywide protests.

Taking a direct jab at the PTI over the mass exodus of leaders, Nawaz sarcastically mentioned the long queues of people leaving the party. The PTI faced a series of departures when security forces cracked down on the party following attacks on civil and military institutions, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander's House.

Over 70 lawyers and party leaders have already parted ways with the PTI following the mayhem of May 9. Nawaz criticized the former prime minister, Imran Khan, questioning how the people could stand when their leader himself was labeled a "jackal." She further claimed that Imran Khan was the alleged mastermind behind the May 9 incidents, while his workers faced trial in anti-terrorism court.

Referring to a court appearance, Nawaz highlighted the contrasting treatment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, emphasizing that Khan used other women as vanguards while appearing in court covered with sheets. Nawaz urged the public not to let their children be influenced by what she called the "fitna" of Khan, congratulating them for ridding themselves of it.

Expressing deep sorrow over the events of May 9, Nawaz dedicated the meeting to the martyrs and their families, declaring that her heart shed tears of blood for them. Alleging that the May 9 attacks were pre-planned and originated from Zaman Park, she questioned why certain locations were targeted and accused Khan of instructing the protesters on where to attack.

Claiming that the May 9 incident constituted an "attack on Pakistan Army," Nawaz stated that the former premier was being aided by his "facilitators." She further alleged a conspiracy to remove the then-Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Asim Munir, from his position, and claimed that the PTI's Azadi March in 2019 was orchestrated to prevent his appointment as army chief.

Nawaz also asserted that a politician is not afraid of prison, but a thief is, insinuating wrongdoing by Khan during his time in power. Emphasizing that PML-N does not endorse political victimization, she criticized Khan's attempts to dissolve the assemblies and attack army installations in an effort to turn the tide in his party's favor.

Maryam Nawaz's forceful remarks signal a growing confrontation between the PML-N and PTI, with the departure of senior PTI members serving as a significant blow to the party's strength and stability.