Alliance with PML-N damaged PPP: governor

PPP and the PML-N, arch rivals prior to the emergence of the PTI, had a long history of turf war in Punjab.

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OKARA:

Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Punjab's governor, has said the alliance of the PML-N and the PPP has damaged the latter in the country's political powerhouse, Punjab. However, he predicts that now it is the PML-N's turn to bear the brunt of this alliance.

Khan, who belongs to the PPP, took the oath of office after a power sharing deal struck between the PPP and the ruling PML-N in the wake of the February 8 general elections.

According to the agreement, the PPP chose the constitutional positions of the president, governorship of two provinces—Punjab and K-P and Senate chairmanship in return for propping up the PML-N led coalition government in the Centre.

The PPP and the PML-N, arch rivals prior to the emergence of the PTI, had a long history of turf war in the country's most populous province which the PML-N had snatched from the PPP.

There is a general impression that the anti-PML-N voter in Punjab is disillusioned with the PPP after it came closer to the PML-N and later started voting for the PTI.

Talking with reference to the perception while speaking to the media in Okara, Governor Khan said the PPP has got damaged due to its alliance with the PML-N. "But now it is the PML-N, which is going to face political loss," he said.

Khan expressed optimism about the negotiations between the government and the PTI scheduled for Jan 2, stating that problems cannot be solved through fuel price hikes, street protests, or conflicts. "The solution to all issues lies at the negotiation table. There is a need for the dialogue process to continue."