Maryam Nawaz ‘Handshake’ – Was It Goodwill Gesture?

Web Desk — A viral photo of Rahimyar Khan airport has ignited a storm on social media, showing Punjab’s first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, shaking hands with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon his arrival. While some see this as a simple gesture of goodwill, others are questioning whether it was a breach of protocol.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and many others have criticized the CM’s diplomatic gesture, arguing that, as a Muslim woman, she should not have shaken hands with a ‘non-mahram,’ someone to whom she is not closely related according to Islamic tradition.

In the world of diplomacy, handshakes between male and female officials vary based on cultural customs, personal preferences, and societal norms. While global protocols often require female diplomats to follow the host country’s traditions, Pakistan’s societal norms and Islamic values typically discourage physical contact between unrelated men and women. In such instances, alternative gestures like a slight bow or placing the right hand on the chest are often preferred.

Notably, several Pakistani female leaders, including former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, have also shaken hands by global diplomatic standards. However, Maryam Nawaz’s double handshake—using both hands—is often interpreted as a sign of personal closeness or a stronger bond.

Furthermore, the handshake might have breached an additional layer of protocol. While handshakes are standard in global diplomacy, the double handshake—where one hand is placed on the arm or wrist—often conveys an impression of power or control. This less common gesture in high-level diplomatic interactions carries the risk of being misinterpreted. In this case, Maryam Nawaz’s action could have unintentionally signaled dominance or a deeper personal connection, sparking debate about whether she was adhering to diplomatic norms or crossing traditional boundaries.

Maryam Nawaz’s handshake has become a topic of heated discussion, with many questioning whether it was a breach of protocol or simply a diplomatic gesture that got caught in the cultural crossfire.