GUJRAT: The principal of a government college in Kharian tehsil of Gujrat district has been issued a formal warning after a flag featuring 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, confirmed that the principal submitted a written explanation, admitting he had hoisted the flag in his personal capacity out of admiration for the chief minister’s initiatives in Punjab.
In its official warning letter, the education department described the move as “a clear act of administrative misconduct” carried out without prior approval, and directed the principal to remain cautious in the future. The flag was removed soon after authorities took notice.
Principal’s explanation
The principal clarified in his written response that the action was intended to encourage students who, he claimed, were inspired by Maryam Nawaz’s policies such as scholarship programmes, the laptop scheme, provision of buses, and motorbikes for female students. He expressed regret for acting without permission and apologised to the department.
Social media criticism
Videos of the flag fluttering next to the national flag in college of Kharian sparked strong reactions online, with users condemning what they saw as political glorification. Some pointed out that the Pakistani flag appeared tattered compared to the newer Maryam Nawaz flag.
Islamabad-based academic Tahir Naeem Malik described the incident as symbolic of a “monarchical and sycophantic culture,” while senior journalist Matiullah Jan questioned, “Under which flag are we united?”
PPP leader Shaista Alam called it “a first in the country’s history” and accused the Punjab government of turning the national flag into a tool for political promotion. Comparisons were also drawn with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the PTI flag and Imran Khan’s portrait were displayed in the chief minister’s office.
Not the first controversy
The PML-N government in Punjab has repeatedly faced criticism for what opponents term excessive self-promotion of Maryam Nawaz, from ration bags to subsidised flour packs carrying her image. Earlier this year, government advertisements highlighting her performance appeared in newspapers as front-page “news reports,” sparking similar backlash.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has defended such publicity campaigns, saying they are meant to highlight government initiatives and accusing critics of political bias.
