PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court Bar Association on Monday condemned the recent statement of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about “threats from neighbouring provinces” and demanded an unconditional apology from her.

An executive council meeting of the PHCBA was held here under the chairmanship of its president, Aminur Rehman Yousafzai. PHCBA general secretary Ashfaq Ahmad Daudzai conducted the proceedings, according to a news release.

The meeting condemned the recent statement of Ms Maryam regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said that making such an “irresponsible statement based on prejudice” was not only an insult to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also an attempt to spread hatred and provoke national sentiments.

The executive council said that at a time when national unity and inter-provincial harmony were extremely important, such statements were highly detrimental. It said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had made the greatest sacrifices in the war against terrorism and that thousands of civilians and security personnel had laid down their lives for the peace and stability of Pakistan.

“Terrorism is not specific to one province; it is an issue faced by the entire nation. To blame one province is regrettable, condemnable and unacceptable,” read the press release.

The council demanded that Punjab’s chief minister issue an unconditional and public apology to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially the Pakhtun nation, withdraw her statement and admit the unmatched sacrifices rendered by the people of KP, police and security forces in the war against terrorism.

It said it was high time for national unity and not division, so making such divisive statements would further weaken and divide the country.

The council said that it was political leadership’s responsibility to keep all provinces and nations united and not to create discord.

“Recognising the sacrifices of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and refraining from making such provocative statements is essential for the country’s peace, stability and unity.

It is the need of the hour to promote respect, harmony and brotherhood among all provinces and nations,” the release said.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2026