Maryam Nawaz’s witty reply to critic goes viral: ‘I’ll try to cry when praised’

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has attracted widespread attention on social media after delivering a humorous response to a user

LAHORE:  Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has attracted widespread attention on social media after delivering a humorous response to a user who criticised her reaction to receiving praise. Her sarcastic yet light-hearted remark, in which she said she would try to cry whenever someone complimented her, quickly became a topic of discussion among social media users.

The exchange began when a user questioned the chief minister’s apparent enjoyment of praise, suggesting that such a reaction was not appropriate. Responding to the criticism, Maryam Nawaz wrote in Urdu, “Acha chalen, ab se agar koi tareef karega to rone ki koshish karungi, theek hai?” The statement translates to, “Alright then, from now on, if anyone praises me, I’ll try to cry, okay?”

Her response drew attention for its sarcastic tone and playful delivery, with many users interpreting it as a humorous way of dealing with criticism rather than engaging in a heated argument.

The post, shared on Thursday, generated numerous reactions, including laughing emojis, amusing comments and messages from supporters who appreciated the chief minister’s willingness to respond directly to social media users. Several users described the exchange as an entertaining example of how public figures can handle online criticism with humour.

Maryam Nawaz’s remark also sparked conversations about the relationship between political leaders and social media audiences. In an era when politicians frequently face scrutiny over their public appearances, statements and personal conduct, even brief online exchanges can attract considerable attention and become widely circulated.

Supporters viewed the chief minister’s response as a confident and witty comeback, while the exchange also highlighted the different expectations people have of public officials. For some, the remark reflected an easy-going attitude towards criticism; for others, it offered another example of the often unpredictable nature of political conversations on digital platforms.

Social media has increasingly become an important space for politicians to communicate with the public, respond to opponents and present their personalities beyond formal speeches and official statements. Humorous exchanges, in particular, can gain traction because they are easily shared and understood by a broad audience.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz has continued her official responsibilities as Punjab chief minister, with her government focusing on a range of administrative and development-related initiatives. Her engagements include meetings concerning farmers, agricultural development, digitalisation efforts and measures aimed at maintaining Punjab’s polio-free status.

The viral exchange comes amid the constant public attention surrounding political leaders, whose online activities often receive as much discussion as their official decisions. A short response can quickly become a trending topic, particularly when it combines sarcasm, humour and a direct reaction to a critic.

The chief minister’s comment continued to circulate on social media platforms, including X and Facebook, as users shared the exchange and added their own interpretations. Many found the response relatable and entertaining, turning an otherwise routine interaction between a politician and a social media user into a widely discussed moment.

The incident once again demonstrates the influence of social media in shaping public conversations around political personalities. Whether viewed as a clever comeback or a sarcastic response to criticism, Maryam Nawaz’s remark has attracted attention and added another memorable exchange to the ongoing online conversation surrounding Punjab’s political leadership.