PPP, PML-N dispute panels meet today

ISLAMABAD:

The first meeting between the newly formed committees of the PPP and the PML-N is set to take place on Monday (today), marking a crucial step towards addressing mounting differences between the two parties which have a unique relationship—with the PPP propping up the PML-N led federal government without becoming a part of it.

The PPP's Coordination Committee for National Issues, chaired by the party chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, held a virtual meeting on Sunday to prepare for the talks.

During the session, key political, policy, and development challenges at the federal and provincial levels were discussed. The committee reviewed the unresolved issues and disagreements with the PML-N-led federal government, particularly over what the PPP terms broken promises and unilateral decisions.

The committee members—Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood, and Ali Haider Gilani—participated in the meeting.

A statement issued after the meeting highlighted the PPP's reservations over the lack of timely consultations by the PML-N led federal government on critical matters.

The party reviewed political, policy, and legislative issues, as well as the PML-N's failure to fulfill commitments made to the PPP, saying they had become stumbling blocks between the two sides.

The PPP leadership raised concerns over governance issues in Punjab and South Punjab, policy disputes over water management, challenges to agricultural and digital economies, and delays in flood rehabilitation efforts. It noted an alarming rise in terrorist activities, urging consensus among political stakeholders to combat evolving security threats.

The PPP committee was formed last month amid growing tensions between the two parties.

The move followed Bilawal's pointed criticism of the PML-N for bypassing the PPP on key decisions, including the controversial approval of a new canal project on the Indus River in violation of a water accord signed by the federating units in early 90s.

Bilawal had accused the federal government of ignoring Sindh's concerns and failing to ensure equal representation in critical decision-making on various issues.

Speaking to journalists earlier, Bilawal had expressed frustration over the PML-N's governance style, particularly its unilateral approach to key issues and legislation.

He had emphasized the need for fairness and representation, stating true politics is based on respect and the PMLN's must adhere to its post-election agreements.

In response to PPP's grievances, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a negotiation committee comprising senior PML-N leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema.

While outreach efforts from PML-N leaders, including Ishaq Dar, have reportedly eased some tensions, the PPP remains firm in its demands for accountability and fulfillment of commitments.

The meeting between the two committees on Monday is expected to address these pressing issues and determine the way forward for the coalition partners.