Heena says ridicule of her health shows ‘lack of humanity’

President’s office spokesperson and CEO of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), Heena Waleed, has accused opposition figures of “lacking humanity” for mocking her health while she undergoes cancer treatment.

Speaking at a People’s National Congress (PNC) rally attended by thousands last night, Heena said insults aimed at her appearance and illness showed how low political discourse had fallen.

“Insulting me by linking me to an illness- how inhuman, how disgraceful,” she said.

“They mock my health condition and my appearance, and abuse a woman like me because there is not even a grain of humanity.”

Heena was diagnosed with breast cancer while holding senior roles in the then-opposition during the 2023 presidential election. She has previously spoken publicly on social media about her treatment and the emotional toll of the disease.

She told supporters that numerous false stories had been spread about her “because she is a woman”, including criticism tied to the search for new office space for NSPA.

She said the finance ministry had followed existing procedures in announcing the location.

“The bid was open to the public and anyone could apply. It was cancelled at the winner’s request. The state did not lose a single laari,” she said.

Heena also addressed comments made about her at a Progressive National Front (PNF) meeting, questioning whether such attacks reflected the value of her “hard work and sacrifice” during past political campaigns, including efforts to free former president Abdulla Yameen.

She said attempts to break her down psychologically would fail.

“They can spread lies, but my determination will not shake,” she said.