President Zardari Calls for Mediation Between PML-N and PPP

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has instructed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to facilitate discussions between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), according to sources.

Naqvi is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, where he will ask the premier to help de-escalate tensions between the two parties, the sources indicated.

The discord between the PML-N and PPP grew more pronounced after PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf withdrew from a National Assembly session, stating that his party would abstain from proceedings until the Punjab ministers provide clarification on their statements concerning Sindh.

Recognizing the division between the PPP and PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has offered his party’s backing to the PPP should they pursue a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly.

“If the PPP leadership is sincere, they should introduce a no-confidence motion, which we will support,” Qaiser stated.

He further commented, “We are ready to assist them in removing the federal government. I am offering our complete support for a no-confidence motion now.”

Key figures within both the PPP and PML-N, particularly ministers in the Punjab and Sindh administrations, have been publicly debating several significant national issues.

Senior PPP figures have strongly criticized various remarks made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding flood relief operations, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), and the disputed canals project in Punjab.

PPP leader Palwasha Khan recently voiced her discontent with the party’s ally.

During a press briefing in Islamabad, Khan asserted that the PML-N established the federal government with the support of her party.

“The Peoples Party is not subservient to the PML-N. An alliance does not equate to subservience,” she stated, adding that her party is committed to fostering democracy in the nation.

Khan also suggested that the Punjab government’s critique of Sindh and the PPP was indirectly aimed at the federal government.

“The Peoples Party wishes to remain neutral in this dispute. Resolve your differences internally. The Punjab government seems displeased with [PM] Shehbaz Sharif’s position,” Khan remarked.

She emphasized that the PPP would continue to address issues in Punjab, clarifying that their criticism of the provincial government was not directed at the people of Punjab and that the PML-N does not represent the entire province.

“Be open to questions and accept criticism positively. We prefer not to reciprocate your accusatory tone,” Khan concluded.