Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has become the subject of controversy once again following the leak of a video clip from her interview with anchor Mansoor Ali Khan.
The off-air part of the interview has gone viral on social media, where Maryam can be seen asking the production team to stop recording certain questions the host asks.
During the interview, Mansoor asked Maryam Nawaz about a BMW vehicle she had received during 2009-10, which was later sold out in 2011-12. Scroll down to see what was her reaction.
Maryam Nawaz didn’t answer Mansoor’s question. She attempted to evade the question but needed to respond more clearly.
Mansoor also asked Maryam about reports suggesting that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had received a Mercedes from Saudi Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in the 1990s, which was cleared in 2008.
Mansoor questioned why the gift was cleared in 2008 when, per the Toshakhana laws, cars were not allowed then. He further mentioned that in 2008, the government of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani had relaxed rules and laws to benefit Nawaz Sharif and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari.
When Mansoor shared the details of the laws, Maryam asked him to stop recording “shut down the camera” and asked Maryam Aurangzaib to share the facts regarding the matter.
While trying to calm Maryam, a lady behind the camera can be heard assuring her that the off-the-record conversation would not be a part of the interview.
Later, in a tweet, Maryam defended her actions by stating that she did not have the required information and did not want to say anything factually incorrect.
This incident has once again raised questions about the transparency and accountability of political leaders in Pakistan. Politicians need to be open and honest with the public, especially regarding matters related to the public interest.
