ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has welcomed remarks by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Fawad shared his reaction on X on Monday. He described Ahsan Iqbal’s comments as criticism of Maryam Nawaz.

He said Pakistan’s political parties should move away from what he called personal loyalty. According to Fawad, such a change would benefit the country.

Speaking to the media, Fawad also criticised the country’s ruling political families. He alleged that the Sharif and Zardari families viewed Pakistan as their personal estate.

He claimed they considered governing the country their right. Fawad also criticised what he described as an attitude similar to that of monarchs.

According to Fawad, the ruling families expect citizens to pay taxes. He questioned their approach toward public spending and personal privileges.

Fawad also raised concerns about government spending on vehicles. He alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif increased the diesel price by Rs13.

He claimed the government decided to purchase new vehicles worth Rs30 billion on the same day.

Fawad further criticised Maryam Nawaz over her reported trip to London. He alleged that she travelled on a government aircraft to attend her daughter’s graduation.

He questioned the need for using a government aircraft for the trip. Fawad said she could have travelled through a commercial airline.

The former minister also spoke about displays of wealth at wedding ceremonies. He said the issue was linked to the mindset of those in power.

Fawad alleged that the current rulers were governing in an authoritarian manner. He claimed they had become rulers without securing votes.

Ahsan Iqbal calls for simplicity

Earlier, Ahsan Iqbal called for greater simplicity among those holding public office.

He said simplicity becomes a moral responsibility when people face inflation and economic difficulties.

In a statement on X, Ahsan Iqbal referred to Hazrat Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. He described him as an important figure in Islamic history.

Ahsan Iqbal said Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz had lived a privileged life before becoming caliph. He reportedly enjoyed expensive clothing, perfumes and other luxuries.

However, his lifestyle changed after assuming responsibility as caliph. According to Ahsan, he gave up royal luxuries and adopted a simpler lifestyle.

He also said Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz transferred valuable household jewellery to the public treasury.

The minister highlighted the example to stress the importance of leaders sharing the circumstances of ordinary citizens.

The remarks have drawn political attention, with Fawad Chaudhry publicly welcoming what he viewed as criticism of Maryam Nawaz.

In other news read more about Current PTI leaders “Don’t know What To Do,” Says Fawad Chaudhry

The development comes amid continued debate over government spending, public hardship and the lifestyle of political leaders.