Addressing a meeting of the Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen Committee in Lahore, the Chief Minister emphasized that scholars play a vital role in awakening minds. “The state and the people regard religious scholars as their guides — and so do I,” she said. “All schools of thought are represented here today, and the guidance of ulema is essential for the betterment of society.”
Maryam Nawaz stated that while religious parties have the right to engage in politics, protecting citizens’ lives and ensuring the continuity of daily life remain the government’s top priorities. “We want people to move freely without fear or disruption. But when a group turns a situation into a battle between disbelief and Islam, brandishes weapons, and incites chaos in the name of the Holy Prophet ﷺ — that is unacceptable. True lovers of the Prophet ﷺ are moved to tears at his mention, not to violence,” she said.
The Chief Minister revealed that she had seen disturbing images of violence against police officers, adding, “Police personnel protect people’s lives and property. To attack them is to attack the state itself.” She reminded the audience that removing obstacles from the road is a virtuous act, not blocking them.
“I seek guidance from scholars — when an armed group storms the streets to impose its will, it not only defies the law but brings disrepute upon all of us,” she noted. Referring to recent unrest, she said vehicles meant for public sanitation were torched and roads were blocked, causing hardship for citizens. “Anyone residing in Pakistan deserves safety and protection. Across the world, embassies are respected and safeguarded — it pains me to see people, in the name of religion, doing what is completely contrary to its teachings.”
Maryam Nawaz urged religious organizations to disassociate themselves from armed factions, paying tribute to the police officer martyred in the violence. “When any group takes up arms, it becomes a violent faction. When PTI remained political, no one objected — but its downfall began on May 9, when it turned to violence. Political struggle is welcome, but weapons and anarchy are not,” she said, acknowledging that peaceful gatherings by Jamaat-e-Islami and JUI had always been facilitated by her government.
Questioning the motives of recent violent movements, she said, “Those who lost their lives — what should I tell their families? We all feel for Palestine, but how does attacking a diplomatic mission in Islamabad express solidarity with Gaza?” She added that raids revealed caches of weapons and stacks of cash, evidence that such groups were prepared for confrontation.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to release any innocent person detained, saying, “If someone is wrongly arrested — even if they oppose me politically — it causes me pain. We have tried our utmost to avoid conflict, but when someone is determined to create chaos, what choice does the state have?”
Without naming anyone directly, Maryam Nawaz criticized a former leader “sitting in Adiala Jail,” saying he was spreading false figures about deaths. “This is the same man who ordered gunfire in mosques during his tenure. Knowing his politics has failed, he now exploits religion for political survival,” she remarked.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that mosques must be centers of preaching, not politics. She announced that mosques and seminaries sealed by the government had been handed over to Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, adding, “The imam is the most respected figure in any neighborhood. It hurts me that imams and muezzins depend on donations for salaries — the Rs.10,000 stipend is insufficient, and we will increase it.”
Responding to claims that hundreds were killed during recent unrest, she challenged critics: “Where are the bodies of those 500 or 600 allegedly killed? Videos of sealed offices are everywhere, but where is the proof of mass casualties? Bring me evidence, and I will hold the police accountable.” She added that Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman himself had asked for a list of those injured, and “I am ready to release that list publicly.”
