PTI leaders using ‘woman card’ over Mazari’s arrest: Maryam

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was playing the ‘woman card’ over the arrest of their leader and former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, who was taken into custody by Islamabad police on Thursday.

“Although, I am not happy over her [Mazari] arrest, but she should face investigation as case against her was registered during the tenure of [former chief minister] Usman Buzdar,” said Maryam while addressing the ruling party’s social media team in Lahore on Saturday.

Maryam said she did not have complete information regarding the case against Mazari but added that anti-corruption department must have sufficient grounds for her arrest.

“PML-N will not support any victimisation but everyone has to be held accountable for their wrongdoing. PTI led government did not do anything except political victimisation during its four-year rule,” she remarked.

PTI should not use woman card to condemn the arrest of its leader as they subjected their political opponents including women to worst victimisation when they were in power, she added.

Recalling her ordeal, Maryam said she was arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) during PTI rule in “bogus case” and was held at solitary confinement.

“She [Mazari] is facing serious allegations but there was no charge against me when I was arrested,” she said.

“I did not play victim card or woman card but instead faced NAB investigation and they failed to prove any charge against me.”

Maryam said unlike Mazari, who she said was arrested by female policewomen, she was detained by male personnel and claimed that NAB official would record her videos during incarceration.

“She [Mazari] should face the investigation and prove the allegations wrong… if she does that I pledge that I will be one who will stand by her.”

Speaking about other issues, Maryam said the country’s economy is on “ventilator” due to the flawed policies of the last regime and added that the incumbent government was reluctant to increase fuel prices as it would increase the difficulties for masses already reeling under skyrocketing inflation.

Maryam said former prime minister Imran Khan is still the ‘blue-eyed boy’of the system that’s why no action was taken against him when he allegedly targeted state intuitions and his party leaders ran malicious camping against them.

“If the same was done by PML-N, our dead bodies would be found hanging on roads… Nawaz Sharif was never a blue-eyed boy of the intuitions but of the nation.”