The video of PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb taking a zip line in Swat on Swat before the PDM rally was probably meant to be a light hearted moment but a government official’s comments caused much furor on social media.

Special Assistant to the KP Chief Minister Kamran Bangash posted the video ride noting her “enjoyment” of a government-run facility.

“In the paradise of tourists, leaders of the ‘abbu bachao’ movement busy in enjoying facilities set up by the KP government are awaited at the ground [of Swat for the rally],” he said in the tweet.

The zip line was installed at the Malam Jabba Ski Resort in 2019 as part of the KP provincial and federal government’s initiative to promote tourism in Swat.

Swat was the scene of the PDM’s rally at Grassy Ground to address their grievances against the current government.

In a press conference on June 20th, PDM leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced the alliance will be holding a rally in Swat to “show how this government was imposed on the country and why these people can’t represent the Pakhtuns.”

He also declared that the PDM will officially continue its campaign against the current PTI run government, in context of the recent exit of significant parties including PPP and ANP from the alliance.

It was against this backdrop that Aurangzeb, who is a spokesperson of the PML-N and a member of the PDM alliance, was caught taking a ride on the zip-line, which was set up by the same government that the PDM has united against.

During the rally, opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif addressed the rally on Sunday saying: “you [KP] are so hospitable, how did you pick Imran Niazi?” He continued by talking about the rising poverty of the state, declaring that the old Pakistan was better than this “Naya (new) Pakistan.”

But while opposition leaders lambasted the government, people like Bangash took to social media to note that Marriyum was “enjoying” government facilities while party members were gathering at the ground for the rally.

But people also praised her bravery.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry also chimed in.

“Everyone reaps the benefits of a good government’s work, even the opposition. I have asked Mahmood Khan Lala (the current CM of KP) to take care of the guests, and keep an eye on them too,” he said.