Coalition partners PPP, PML-N seek to bridge differences amid strained ties

LAHORE: The coordination committees of the PPP and PML-N coalition partners met on Saturday to discuss outstanding issues and mend their strained ties. The PML-N, which holds a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly with PPP support, led the meeting. The atmosphere was tense, with the PPP accusing the PML-N of ignoring its concerns over issues such as inflation, rising fuel prices, the farming crisis, power outages, and delayed local government elections.

Conversely, the PML-N argued that the PPP was behaving more like opposition rather than a coalition partner, capitalizing on public issues for political gains, despite the government's limited control over certain matters. A participating source recounted moments of heated debate, with tempers eventually settling as the reality of their shared need to collaborate as political guardians of the system became apparent.

The PML-N offered to address the PPP's police-related concerns and assured it of participation in development schemes; however, the PPP noted that prior decisions in these areas were not implemented. Despite the lingering mistrust, the two sides committed to implementing earlier decisions, holding more frequent meetings, and improving governance.

They also pledged to continue their consultation process, aiming to resolve differences and address coalition-related matters with mutual understanding and in the national interest. The rift between the two parties escalated after the PML-N won the first phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Following this, the PPP questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's silence on the proposed creation of new provinces, urging him to clarify his position.

The PPP previously insisted that any such move must adhere to constitutional procedures. However, the PPP-Sindh government recently secured a resolution in the provincial assembly opposing further division of the country's existing provinces.