Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sparked a political storm after stating that her province faces a greater terrorism threat from neighbouring Pakistani provinces than from foreign countries. Speaking at an event in Lahore, she said militant infiltration occurs primarily through Punjab’s borders with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, both of which have seen a sharp rise in extremist violence in recent years.
Maryam argued that “terrorism enters Punjab from there,” adding that despite being a province of 130 million people, Punjab remains a target because of its economic and political centrality. She emphasised that Punjab has largely avoided the scale of violence seen elsewhere, but the threat along all its provincial borders persists.
Her remarks triggered immediate backlash from leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI), which governs KP. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser called her comments “insulting,” accusing Punjab’s leadership of mocking a province that has suffered heavily from terrorism. He highlighted KP’s police force, which has made major sacrifices in the fight against militancy, and said families of fallen security personnel deserve respect, not criticism.
Former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar also criticised Maryam, arguing that Punjab’s political elite had historically contributed to policies that fuelled militant violence now affecting the province. He said KP has borne the consequences of “failed government strategies” and deserves solidarity rather than blame.
Analysts say the controversy reflects long‑standing regional tensions between Punjab and KP, where perceptions of unequal treatment and responsibility for Pakistan’s security crisis often fuel resentment.