Alarmed by the specter of creeping provincialism, sparked by tit-for-tat barbs over the flood response, the top leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) huddled together on Wednesday in a bid to douse tensions and salvage coalition harmony.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stepped in as mediator, hosting a meeting between the two sides at his chamber to defuse tensions.
In Lahore, meanwhile, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira denounced Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's recent speeches as "inappropriate".
The criticism drew an immediate riposte from Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, who accused the PPP of politicising flood relief and unfairly singling out Punjab.
The PPP delegation, led by Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani, met with the PML-N leadership, which included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Rana Sanaullah and Rana Mubashir, among others.
During the meeting in the federal capital, PPP leaders raised objections over recent statements and speeches made by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. Naveed Qamar stressed that "negative statements by coalition partners damage unity" and warned that continued verbal exchanges from both sides would be "inappropriate".
Following discussions, the two parties agreed to halt the war of words against one another in order to preserve coalition harmony.
Qamar Zamman Kaira
Addressing a press conference at the PPP secretariat in Lahore, Kaira criticised Maryam's remarks, such as "we will break hands and silence tongues", saying such language was unbecoming of a coalition partner.
He stressed that the PPP had supported the PML-N in good faith, repeatedly urging implementation of written agreements that were never fully honoured. "We do not just give advice, we give opinions. If those are not acted upon, then criticism is our democratic right," he said.
He said PPP would praise good work where it was done, but also reserve the right to criticise failures, citing recent floods as an example.
Referring to the CM's comments, Kaira said, "We were told that whoever raises a finger, it will be broken. Bilawal Bhutto has been trying with great patience to move things forward. We too are Punjabis. When Bilawal visited flood-affected areas, he praised the work of the Punjab CM. But being an ally does not mean giving a blank cheque".
He stressed that whenever PPP raised concerns, such as on NFC allocations or rehabilitation of flood victims, Sindh was unfairly targeted. "We are not asking for power-sharing, but we are supporting the government. Do not forget the last time we parted ways," he warned.
Kaira insisted that giving proposals for flood rehabilitation should not be misconstrued as an attack on Punjab. "Through BISP, initial aid is being provided. If you want to give millions to the victims, then go ahead, but you are not just the CM of Punjab you are also Nawaz Sharif's daughter," he said.
He hailed the BISP as "the number one poverty alleviation programme globally" and called on leaders to exercise restraint. "Should we leave Punjab? You govern, but do not end others' rights. Your words should strengthen the federation, not weaken it," he added.
Asked if the PML-N still needed PPP after the decision on reserved seats, Kaira declined to respond. "Answering that will increase bitterness, so I won't."
Azma Bukhari
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari strongly condemned Kaira's remarks, saying the PPP was "racing" to hold press conferences against the Punjab government.
"You claim not to politicise the plight of flood victims, yet you hold pressers against Punjab? Before criticising Maryam Nawaz, Punjab's daughter, you should have looked at your own past," she said.
"The party whose leader was a woman is now collectively targeting a woman leader. Keep your popularity in view before questioning ours. Such statements will not affect us, nor will they help PPP stand on its own feet."
Bukhari accused PPP of "pointing fingers at Punjab in unison," adding that CM Maryam, her cabinet and provincial institutions had been with flood victims "since day one".
"As a mature politician from Punjab, it is disappointing that you chose to politicise Punjab's flood victims. When you make personal attacks, expect the same in return," she warned.
She said PPP was free to use BISP in Sindh. "You can give Rs10,000 to victims there, but Maryam Nawaz is giving Rs1 million to Punjab's victims because that is what they need."
"Punjab's resources belong to its people. We do not need anyone's advice on how to spend them. With provincial funds, Punjab has built 20,000 kilometres of roads, and more than 90 initiatives of Maryam Nawaz are being funded without a single rupee from the federation. As Punjabis, this should make you proud, not resentful," she added.
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