GUJRAT: The principal of a government college in Kharian tehsil of Gujrat district has been issued a warning after a flag bearing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s image was hoisted alongside Pakistan’s national flag atop the college building.
Deputy Director of Colleges Gujrat, Shoaib Butt, told the BBC Urdu that the principal had submitted a written explanation, stating that he was deeply inspired by Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives in Punjab, which prompted him to display the flag featuring her image on the college premises.
In the official warning letter sent to the Gujrat college principal, the education department stated that the flag was hoisted without prior approval or notification, terming it “a clear act of administrative misconduct.” Authorities have directed the principal to remain cautious in the future.
Videos circulating on social media showed a flag featuring Maryam Nawaz’s image fluttering alongside Pakistan’s national flag atop the Government Graduate College for Boys building.
The principal has since clarified that the decision to hoist the flag was made in his personal capacity.
Following the video’s circulation, the education department sought a written explanation from the principal, who stated that his intention was purely to encourage students and that there was no political motive behind the act.
In his written response, the principal described the gesture as “an acknowledgment of the chief minister’s contributions to education,” citing projects such as the laptop scheme, scholarship programmes, distribution of motorbikes to female students, and provision of buses to colleges.
He further explained that students were inspired by Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives and had requested that their appreciation be acknowledged.
“My only aim was to encourage their positive sentiments,” he wrote, adding that he regretted taking the action without prior approval from the department.
The principal apologised and confirmed that the flag bearing Maryam Nawaz’s image had been removed immediately after the education department took notice.
Deputy Director Shoaib Butt said that the principal had now been issued a formal warning and instructed to avoid such actions in the future.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab has faced recurring criticism for what opponents call excessive self-promotion of the chief minister.
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Opposition parties and members of the public have repeatedly objected to Maryam Nawaz’s photos being printed on ration packs for flood victims, subsidised flour bags, and other government projects.
The Punjab government, however, maintains that its publicity campaigns aim solely to inform the public about government initiatives and performance.
Social media reaction
The incident sparked debate online, with users criticising the move. One viral video showed a citizen commenting that while Pakistan’s flag appeared worn out, the one featuring Maryam Nawaz was of better quality.
Islamabad-based academic Tahir Naeem Malik wrote on X that the flag symbolised “monarchical and sycophantic culture,” expressing disappointment with the principal for “considering flattery a means of progress.”
Senior journalist Matiullah Jan responded to Malik’s post, asking, “Under which flag are we united?”
Another user, Atif Ali, shared a photo of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s office, which displayed the PTI flag and Imran Khan’s portrait — drawing comparisons between the two provincial governments.
Pakistan People’s Party leader Shaista Alam also criticised the act, calling it “a first in the country’s history that a flag bearing a political leader’s image was flown alongside the national flag.”
She wrote, “So this was the only ‘feat’ left to achieve in Punjab — even the national flag has been turned into a tool of political promotion.”
Social media user Mubashir Hayat commented that while Maryam Nawaz may be fond of personal publicity, “I am sure she would not have approved of this action.”
Not the first controversy
This is not the first time the Punjab government has faced backlash over what critics call the personal glorification of Maryam Nawaz.
Earlier this year, in January, nearly all major Urdu newspapers carried front-page “news reports” containing advertisements that highlighted the Punjab government’s one-year performance and Maryam Nawaz’s provincial initiatives — all formatted in a strikingly similar style.
At that time, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari defended the move, saying the criticism was politically motivated and that the ads merely showcased government performance.
The Punjab government has also previously faced similar criticism during flood relief efforts, when opposition parties alleged that aid camps were being forced to display banners with Maryam Nawaz’s photos — claims the government denied.