PM forms committee to resolve coalition tensions

Team tasked with addressing issues with PPP through consultation

ISLAMABAD:

Amid growing tensions between the two major parties in the ruling coalition, PM Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a negotiation committee from the PML-N to foster cooperation and resolve political and administrative issues with the PPP.

The committee, announced by the prime minister, includes prominent PML-N leaders including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahmad Khan Cheema.

The committee has been entrusted with holding detailed consultations with PPP representatives to resolve outstanding issues and strengthen political collaboration between the two parties.

The primary objective is to chart a course of action for future cooperation, addressing contentious matters that have recently strained relations within the coalition.

It is worth noting that the development comes on the heels of PPP's decision to form its own 9-member committee of the party to address unresolved matters with the federal government.

A rift was reported between the PML-N and its key ally, the PPP, as Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari embarked on a foreign tour without holding any meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, despite requests from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resolve ongoing concerns.

The meeting had been requested by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address PPP's concerns regarding the government's failure to meet its commitments.

Last week, Bilawal had previously expressed frustration with the federal government, claiming that agreements were not being honoured. "I was engaged in the 26th Amendment, and in my absence, the government approved canals behind my back," he said.

Addressing the media at Bilawal House in Karachi on Thursday, Bilawal stated that the issue was not about personal grievances but about honour and political integrity.