"Remember who gives you food."
Ration boxes for flood-affected communities with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s image have sparked criticism.
The relief boxes contained milk and fruit for children, but their political branding quickly became a point of controversy online.
Opposition leaders and civil society representatives argued that disaster aid must remain free from personal publicity, especially during widespread displacement and suffering.
Several social media users condemned the move, accusing the provincial administration of exploiting misery for self-promotion through taxpayer-funded relief distribution schemes.
Many users angrily asked why official resources were being politicised, stressing that even personal charity should avoid such advertising practices.
Others acknowledged flood relief efforts as commendable but urged that they should continue without personalised images attached to food packages.
Commentators described the strategy as desperate, calling it inappropriate to paste colourful pictures on supplies meant for devastated families.
Critics insisted that elected leaders are remembered for their actions, not photographs printed on ration items handed to the needy.
A user said: “Using relief small packets for self-promotion? This is taxpayer money, Chief Minister, and you are using your pictures on this?
“Even if it was your personal charity/donation, it is still disrespectful and disgraceful!”
One commented: “Check the level of desperation.
“A sitting CM of a province has pasted her pictures on milk and fruit packages for children who have lost homes in devastating floods.”
Another said:
“The money you spent on printing these pictures could have been used to aid more flood victims.”
Despite the backlash, officials defended the campaign, maintaining that government teams were working tirelessly to deliver essential aid consistently and effectively.
They emphasised that continuous operations were underway to guarantee food, medicine and shelter for thousands displaced by destructive monsoon floods.
Milk and fruit for children at the relief camps. Sahiwal. pic.twitter.com/qie6yYf38e
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) September 6, 2025
Recently, a video from Muzaffargarh gained attention, showing the deputy commissioner distributing bread to families enduring immense hardship.
In the footage, he reminded the recipients that the food came from Maryam Nawaz, prompting online discussions about relief politicisation once again.
A Reddit user sarcastically remarked that citizens were reminded to praise Maryam Nawaz.
They wrote: “Here is food for you and your children. Now look at Maryam’s photo on the food box and remember who gives you food. Praise Maryam Nawaz.”
As relief continues, questions persist over whether political messaging risks overshadowing the urgency of ensuring aid delivery.
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