Pakistan

PML-N parts ways with PPP

Nawaz Sharif announces split with PPP in Punjab, says both parties have separate paths.

Afp/express February 25, 2011

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's opposition leader Nawaz Sharif Friday expelled the nationally ruling Pakistan People's Party from the Punjab provincial government, where it has been in coalition with his own party.

Punjab is the country's most populous province and the decision by Sharif, a former prime minister who leads the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), is likely to trigger renewed political confrontation in Pakistan.

The PML-N chief said that the decision had been taken after the parliamentary meeting held today, where senior party leader Ishaq Dar briefed party members on the 45 day deadline and the developments during the period. He added that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will soon form a new cabinet.

Sharif told a news conference that he made the move because of the central government's "failure" to end corruption and improve the economy.

"We are parting ways, we are bidding goodbye to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) today," Sharif said.

Sharif said that this was a dangerous turn and his party had tried to avoid it. He said that the party had followed the path of reconciliation for the sake of democracy but there was no result.

The PPP is a minor party in the provincial coalition.

In early January, Sharif made 11 key demands, including that the central government investigate corruption scandals, reduce non-development spending by one third, and set up an independent election body.

The PPP last month accepted one of the demands, reversing a controversial fuel price hike, amid pressure from the public and its national coalition partners.

"The government made no satisfactory progress on even one of our 10 points," said Sharif, adding that his party wanted the government to take steps to end poverty and unemployment, and shortages of power and gas.

The PML-N, which regularly criticises the government over allegations of corruption, often linked to President Asif Zardari, gave federal authorities 45 days to act on the demands, which expired on Tuesday, said Sharif.

He claimed the PPP government was "not sincere" in implementing court rulings and was "protecting" corrupt elements.

"Sharif's decision may trigger political tension and plunge the country into fresh crisis," political analyst Nazir Naji said.

‘10-point agenda is a part of PPP manifesto’

PPP leader Raza Rabbani, while addressing a press conference after the PMLN’s announcement, said that the 10-point agenda was a part of PPP’s manifesto: “The 10 point agenda given by the PML-N are a part of the Pakistan Peoples Partys manifesto.”

“If we were playing egoistic politics, then we would have said the 10 point agenda is also a part of our coalitions partys manifesto. But we are not playing egoistic politics. We want politics of reconciliation,” he said.

Rabbani added that the PPP will apply for opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly and it will also name a candidate for the opposition leader slot.

‘PPP to continue policy of reconciliation’

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, said the PPP-led government would continue its policy of reconciliation and consultation.

Expressing her views on PLM-N’s she said it would now play a role of strong opposition in Punjab Assembly.

She said that PPP will not play a role that brings political instability or derails the democratic process in the country.

"We will try our best to stop clashes for strengthening of institutions", she said.

The minister said PLM-N decision to form government with the Unification Block was against the spirit of Charter of Democracy and termed today a "black day for democracy".

Awan said that the PML-N chief has only criticized PPP leadership and its politics but failed to give any alternative road map.

She said that Punjab was the biggest province and impact ofpolitical instability there could spread to other parts of the country.

The minister said in this situation the country demands unity among all political parties on important national issues.

PPP to play senior ombudsman's role: Babar Awan

Babar Awan, minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs said that PPP would play the role of senior ombudsman in Punjab and termed the day "a doleful day for democracy".

He said that at the time of the formation of the Punjab government, PPP could have formed its government excluding PML-N but the PPP leadership did not ignore PML-N and upheld the Charter of Democracy (CoD) as it had been agreed upon by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

"It is amazing to see that the coalition governments are intact in all provinces other than Punjab which exposes the attitude adopted by PML-N towards the CoD," he said.

Babar Awan said that PPP had always exhibited a positive approach towards Nawaz’s party. He said PPP was not involved in the disqualification of the Sharifs, saying that it was the federal government which decided to appeal against their disqualification.

He also criticised the formation of the Unification Bloc and he dispelled the impression that the country is heading towards mid-term elections.

PML-N asked to review their decision: Malik

Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said that the PML-N leadership should review their decision for the sake of the democratic process in the country.

Talking to reporters outside the Parliament House, he said that at this stage the country is facing a lot of problems and political parties should play their role in strengthening democracy.

He said that every step was taken to stop corruption.

COMMENTS (42)

SA Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply @Billu Bhaya. Many thanks for your precious comments. Once Ghandi said to our great leader Quaide Azam that here Mullahs are calling him with bad name and why you are working for them. Our Great Leader has said that " I am not saint as I am their Advocate". Inshallah we people must carry on writing.

Fifi | 13 years ago | Reply Nawaz Sharif or rather Sharif brothers should not forget their & their families involvement in corruption. What's Raiwind residence? What about the mills owned by Sharifs? The profits were not made honestly. People who live in glass houses don't throw stones..... It's also surprising that NOT A SINGLE person with high morals is in this country who can guide its people to a prosperous nation. Honesty (iman) does not exist and this comes from the family background, how you raise your child. Teach your child to be honest and straightforward at a very young age because that will remain with the child forever and emphasis that no matter what don't lose IMAN. Nawaz Sharif should go through these emails and work for the betterment of the people of Pakistan instead of needling his brother to get things done in Punjab. May GOD help us all and God bless Pakistan.

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Billoo Bhaya | 13 years ago | Reply @SA Chaudhary: Thanks for your kind words. Chaudry sahib, the training, education, the family values no longer exist. Those people do not exist. It was in Iqbal's Shikwa, in that he lamented the passing of the Muslim Empire and deathknell of the Indian Muslim. Imagine Iqbal's anguish at the tragic condition of the Indian Muslim as he wrote. Yet the Mullah's declared him a Kaffir. Imagine that those who opposed the creation of Pakistan are practically running it as they all migrated from India. The State that we should have built lies in ruins because we forgot our simple values of honesty, hard work, dedication to fair dealings, to love each other and do good for others. They are replaced by rapacious people who use fake degrees to circumvent rules, who loot the State and there is no one to challenge them. When Moghuls collapsed in India there was a power vacuum. No one was safe. At that time people migrated from Delhi and its surroundings to Ranjit Singh's Punjab, where there still was rule of law. We are again in that very state where we should again make a Shikwa to Allah.

SA Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply @Billoo Bhaya: Many thanks to agree me except corruption. I may submit over here that I am not so wise or having any authority except to express my views and those may not be correct at all or somewhat. It is difficult to bifurcate at this stage that amongst many how many are corrupt or how many or honest. To my view if any member or members are caught for their own benefit from other political party through undemocratic process, it amounts to corruption or at least corrupt practice. Really we want some leader without any slur on his fair name who may lead this nation without discussing that I am Sindhi, Punjab, baluchi or Sarhadi. Here the politicians are exploiting each other by mentioning specific province. The people should awake up and oust those people/politicians who exploit the people on the name of provincialism.

Zubair Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Finally , PML-N has decided to part ways with the PPP. After giving the Unification Bloc of PML-Q dissidents a parliamentary status in the Punjab Assembly, the PML-N had already paved the way for such an outcome. This came on the eve of the expiry of the deadline for the implementation of the 10-point agenda given by PML-N to the government as a condition for future cooperation. While the government has made some progress on the implementation of this plan, the two parties have not been able to agree on three important issues: procedure for the appointment of chief election commissioner and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), accountability law, and mechanism for the appointment of heads of public sector entities and constitutional bodies. In fact, in the case of ECP, PML-N’s complaint was that the PPP had not constituted the parliamentary committee for this purpose. The government, however, has made some progress on other areas. Although it was not possible to implement all the points on the agenda within the stipulated deadline and it was being speculated that the two parties would once againt come to some kind of agreement, the unusually hard stance taken by the PML-N chief lately indicated it had some other card up its sleeve. Now it has been reported that the PPP will be out of the coalition government in Punjab and its ministers will be replaced by at least two members from the Unification Bloc. In fact PML-N is playing with the sentiments of People. The question is, after parting ways, could PML-N bring key changes in the province that is law and order situation will be improved, people will be able to get both ends meet, inflation would be reduced, unemployment issue would be addressed? PML-N is unable to answer any of this question because all this game was not for the people but for vested interests.

Billoo Bhaya | 13 years ago | Reply @SA Chaudhary: I agree with you completely, except on the issue of corruption. Fighting corruption cannot wait any longer. One would like to see MNA Rs.5.8 billion (I can remember the numbers looted rather than their bloody name) hanged. But it won't happen and people like you and me will continue to express our feelings through this media. Regarding floor crossing. All politicians are Lotas. Their Parties have no Ideology as such their Party Leaders have no Ideology. They have no beliefs in Ideology, other than ripping the State and the People in every way that they can. `To do something good one has to believe in something. Its the Idea that brings creation. Its the Idea that never dies and becomes something you believe in. People always follow a Good Idea. Show me one Politician or a Bureaucrat that believes in Anything or an Idea. That's why we are bankrupt in every way and every sphere!

khurram | 13 years ago | Reply They need to be seperate parties .two party system is good for efficient democracy. i love both PPP and PML N .Together they can take pakistan to boom i visited last week a 550 acre Danish school in Chistian district envisioned by shabaz sharif.in just 270 days this state of the art facility school for underpriviledge will proof more deterent than our nucluar bombs. Pakistan will surely rise under democracy .long live PML N

misk | 13 years ago | Reply I am with Nawaz Sharif in this decision.

Muhammad Ahsan Nadeem | 13 years ago | Reply If one wants to do business in Paksitan he must get involved in "politics" as it is one of the best profitable businesses in Pakistan. The most interesting thing is you don't even need to have any good qualification for that, all you need is dumbness and idiotness, built in capability to tell lies and be able to do fraud to others, the more you have these characteristics in you the more profitable you will be. We are all waisting our precious time and hope on these business entities (all political parties in Pakistan) as a businessman is a businessman, won't think about the welfare of his employees, except his own profit.

Amir-Lahore | 13 years ago | Reply @Tahir Karachi: MQM success can be seen from the past because now the control of Karachi and Sind is in hands of PPP not MQM what you will say about the work of Mustafa Kamal now people like you can even say that he didn't do anything. Coming on to PTI is good enough for talk shows especially over portrayed by GEO Tv Imran Khan fails to win a seat for himself leave about his party. And what stance he keeps about Taliban ???? Supported Musharaf in the refrendum and then when he was not awarded with prime minister ship then turned against him. Double standards !!!!

Karim-Lahore | 13 years ago | Reply @Faisal Awan: By en large the people are not with them this is the reality that now people are much aware and they know that both PPP and PML-N are same except for the ruling families. Only drama by Nawaz Sharif but people can no more be fooled now.

SA Chaudhary | 13 years ago | Reply JUGGLERS: Very strange that PML N inn collaboration with PPP had been enjoying in Punjab for the last three years and now expelled the PPP from the provincial cabinet. The assertion of Nawaz Sharif that they have no role in the establishment of unification group which assertion on the face of it appears to be false, rather funny and fantastic. He is the same Nawaz Sharif who initially claimed that he had no agreement with the government/Musharf for going to Saudi Arabia but subsequently he admitted it but varied the time period. Moreover, Nawaz Sharif also said that Mushraf and Chaudhary Sahiban had hijacked PML N. It is also worth mentioning that if those members who had nexus with PML N and they joined Chaudhary Sahiban of Gujrat and Mushraf, why again Nawaz etc. have accepted them. So on the face of it, Mr.Nawaz Sharif has taken somer-sault. He also mentioned that corrupt people were given the responsibilities by PPP. Either Nawaz Sharif is foolish or he intended that all people are foolish. If it was so, why he did not reacted at the earliest and ousted the PPP members from province. He again reiterated that Mushraf should be brought to picture. Thus it is evident that the lust of power had constrained PML-N to join PPP members iin Punjab and when underneath they have developed understanding and created a new group of named as unification group, they reacted and are intending to exploit the situation on the assertion that PPP in Federal government have not implemened their 10 points agenda. Shame on the manner and mode adopted. NOW PPP's version through Raza Rabbani Sahib. I am sorry that Mr.Rabbani is responsible peson but he too, has not uttered true facts. For example, according to him, the PPP government has fulfilled all the promises including the issue of judiciary.All Pakistani and even whole the world know it very well that Mr.Zardari had openly made the promise to restore the judiciary including Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr.Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary after he dramatically took over the seat of President and thereafter through the guidelines of his legal expert made so many attempts to pull on the matter of restoration of judiciary and on so many occasions, his spokesmen declared that Chief Justice aforesaid, cannot be restored. Mr.Rabani is apprised that Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary and his companions were not restored as per promise rather his party was forced to fullfill his promise and then by the Grace of Almighty Allah, the judiciary was restored and that judiciary is not being accepted by the PPP government so far as is evident from their conduct. Even the important decisions made by the Apex court have not been implemented in letter and spirit and all matter relating to NRO and Swiss accounts etc. are still hanging fire. From the resume of above facts and many others which all the people know, both the parties have betrayed the confidence of public in general and have not delivered the true democracy rather both are exploiting each other and in that screw and pull game, the poor people are being dragged. Now the people of Pakistan will decide their faith in the next coming elections. None of the Provinces including Punjab is the inherited property of anyone rather we all are Pakistani and the slogan of provincialism must not be raised rather we must unite, so that we should fight against corruption, corrupt people, corrupt practices, terrorism and even foreign elements.

Raza | 13 years ago | Reply @Skhurram: Atleast the MPA admitted to the fraud and the PML N did not defend him unlike the PPP whose members never admit and if they evidence is collected against them they flee.. We all remember Jamshed Dastis case and how the PPP gave him a ticket once again... PML N members were also found to have lied to the election commission but they were not give a ticket again by the PPP... I know that Nawaz is no saint but when you have two evils you choose the lesser evil

Abdul | 13 years ago | Reply People who are saying this is just drama need to look at the central government where MQM holds power to easily collapse the government by joining opposition but it doesnt. The people of Pakistan want change and if MQM does not put pressure on the rulers then it will also share the blame of this disastrous tenure of PPP.

Saeed Islahi | 13 years ago | Reply At best, it was a marriage of inconvenience between PPP and N League, or a union of two erstwhile failed parties clinging to their past misgovernance without any thing to gloat about. PPP is full of 'martyrs'who never really espoused people's cause and N League is nothing but a party of political expediency with people's plunder at heart.People of Pakistan are fed up with both of them.In fact, they find no substance in the current political leadeship in our unelected assemblies that could give them any hope of good life in future.The Preditor Republic is at its lowest ebb now and is looking for a saviour.

Waseem | 13 years ago | Reply PMLN is heavily banking on judiciary to provide the party protection on all the corruption taking place in the province. The party should keep in mind that the judiciary cannot ask the people of Pakistan to vote for PMLN. Inshallah Musharraf will win the next election.

Abdul Rahman Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Nawaz was outcrying all the time for the charter of democracy ('Misaq-e-jamhooriat') but he himself inflicted the fatal blow on it. That clearly proves his duplicity in the politics. His words and deeds don't match. He had a big face to welcome the deserters from the PML(Q) which he himself had vehemently opposed in the so-called charter of democracy. The voters of these shameless MNA's of the unification bloc of the PML(Q) should protest in front of their homes ('gherao') for joining the nawaz league. They didn't vote for them to sit in the lap of nawaz. Shahbaz's government in punjab is functioning on stay order. The zardari government should pursue the case to be heard in the court. PPP should now act tit for tat because irt was nawaz himself who gave up ppp's policy of reconciliation. PPP should not give them any concession any more. Nawaz is daydreaming for power. A party which has no representation in three provinces of the fedration cannot be a party of federation. Zardari government should heed to the people of bhawalpur's genuine demand for the provincial status for bhawalpur.

PML PPP part way | 13 years ago | Reply I think PML(N) has taken really wise decision. PPP Government has lost its credibility and being with them is a political disaster for anyone.

Zee | 13 years ago | Reply Prond of Mian Saab.. He's been bearing these cheaters for so long.. Else the government would have been taken over by the Big Boss.. And for all those who think nothing has been done in Punjab... People in Our Area are very much satisfied with what our representative has been doing.. We only need to keep our eyes n Ears open.. PML N is the party of moderate people.. All Extremists represent other parties.. They have never blamed anyone unnecessarily.. But Been blamed everytime.. I beg those who want new people to come forward.. We Pakistanis are all alike.. everyone needs a chance to come n take advantage.. Dont even think about it.. they'll take a century more to fill their pockets.. Atleast PML N has already got enough money.. And we all know they dont need money... They have our welfare at hearts.. We have just got to see what lies at the depth.

syed maududi | 13 years ago | Reply nawaza shareefa wazeera sherra roar

HAFEEZ ATTARI | 13 years ago | Reply If PML-N really Exhaust with PPP then Step forward against Petroleum Prices , Corruption , Davis.

Arshad Majeed | 13 years ago | Reply Its a shameful day for our politicians who just cannot stop thinking of being in the power solely for their own selfish reasons or create turmoil in the country so that they can benefit from it. At the same time its a day of sorrow for people of Pakistan who now have to face more of this lack of governess and terrorists threats. It seems our leaders are bent upon helping terrorists rather than joining hands to help and protect the masses and the country. I think there needs to be a quite revolution where the current leaders are subjected to peaceful protests from the masses to fall in line and work for the benefit of the people rather than targeting to get themselves into Power and thus their children into leading positions. Truly I have no good prayers for these discredited and pathetic leaders. Long Live Pakistan.

Tahir Karachi | 13 years ago | Reply @Amir-Lahore: MQM has failed in sindh/Karachi just as PMLN has failed in punjab Total new party with integerity is needed that has not been tried and so I will be voting PTI

Skhurram | 13 years ago | Reply Result will be same Nawaz sb have you heard anything about 6 bn fraud in Police foundation fraud if not pls check out this link http://tribune.com.pk/story/122591/police-foundation-fraud-mna-agrees-to-refund-rs5-8-billion/

hosni mubarik and qaddafi | 13 years ago | Reply who really cares about these looney tunes. I rather watch a rerun of aMERICAN idol with simon...like he really made a difference to the pathetic show..

Allah Nawaz Khan | 13 years ago | Reply At last PML(N) started the politics of horse trading. They are expert in CHANGA MANGA style of politics. Shame Shame shame. PML(N) is the actual rulers in Punjab from last 3 years. what they have done so far in Punjab in these three years???????????? Is Nawaz Sharif really the leader who want to work for Pakistan or work for next time premiership??? Every Pakistani must condemn the horse trading, horse traders and the horses (LOTA'S).

Asrar Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Good decision! Now bring in good governance in Punjab, address the problems of people. Bring about economic prosperity in Punjab. People will never forget leaders who address their problems. This decision should have been taken 2 years back......better late than never.

Cheema | 13 years ago | Reply PMLN has once again opted for the Changa Managa like plitics. PMLN is well known for its double standard People of Pakistan need to get rid of both the parties as soon as possible. We need Musharraf.

salim | 13 years ago | Reply The 'Tiger of Punjab' unveils the lota factory!

Dr. Saleem Siddiqi | 13 years ago | Reply @Faisal Awan: This is blessing and disguise for PPP in Punjab. PML-N has already failed to deliver in 3 years. 2 further years will also pass like this and their performance is poor and is not likely to improve. This separation will benefit PPP in the next Election for getting sympathy votes in Punjab as people who will be fed up with PML-N with go to next option which is only PPP right now unless we have MQM or any other ditch hole in Punjab's politics. The next two years will be very interesting to watch in Punjab as PML-N will be in pressure to perform. Similarly, PPP is already in pressure in the Centre after loosing majority from JUI-F and MQM.

Kazmis | 13 years ago | Reply Partnership or no Partnership what is the difference?

Faisal Awan | 13 years ago | Reply Good decision by PML-N after long time. They should have parted away from PPP within 3 months of forming of government. All the Pakistan is with your PML-N to change government in the Center.

arsalan | 13 years ago | Reply just playing around , its all abt Premiership ...God sake give us break !

TightDhoti | 13 years ago | Reply And this serves the interest of Pakistan..........

Copper | 13 years ago | Reply Worst part is promotion of horse trading by PML(N).

Amir-Lahore | 13 years ago | Reply Both PPP and PML-N are same the only difference is that in PPP Bhutto dynasty and in PML_N its Sharif's dynasty. We now need someone else now i think MQM should be given a chance now enough of these two. Next election i am going to vote for them definitely.

Abdul Rahman Khan | 13 years ago | Reply "Where is Power? Give it to me". The 'share' (lion) of confrontation has come out of his ring. The compulsion of deal with Saudi monarchy for not taking part in politicis for the deal period of ten years and not pursuing the confrontational policy was a painstaking spell for this power-hungry politician. Zardari may or may not be blamed for a thousand other reasons but he should be given credit to persue a policy of 'mufahimat' with all the political parties. This policy didn't suit nawaz brothers for selfish reasons.

Aristo | 13 years ago | Reply Two sides of the same coin.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply You call PPP a failure(which indeed is) but what about yourself in Punjab ????? What your brother and party doing ??? What are their success stories you are even worse. So please stop making people fool that you are parting your ways with them because you are not both parties have a mutual understanding to plunder the nation together. Even if you kick them out it wont make a difference you play an active role in Punjab government not they so PML-N should also be removed if any thing has to improve in Punjab.

Saima | 13 years ago | Reply If they are really fed up with PPP they should get rid of them from centre where the actual problem is not in Punjab where they have no role to play and all shots are being called by PML-N. So please cut the drama !!!!!

All BS | 13 years ago | Reply So what would really change? PMLN has been in power for 3 years in Punjab, what can they possibly deliver now with or without PPP??!! All topi drama

Shemrez Nauman Afzal | 13 years ago | Reply So much for the politics of reconciliation and consensus. I congratulate all those farsighted visionaries who had said in 2008-09 that the PPP and PML-N wouldn't be able to work together for long. But I would still give these two parties credit for trying - and the blame for failing themselves, their parties, and the nation. Here's to hoping that these two parties will be able to do a better job for politics and for the nation while opposing each other. If the politics of the 1990's comes back to haunt Pakistan, then national disintegration is more likely than mid-term elections (or even a semblance of stability till the next general elections).

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