Ruling duo meet to chill tempers

Zardari, Shehbaz agree to continue consultations

LAHORE:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday and held wide-ranging discussions on political, security and regional developments, agreeing to continue political consultations on matters of national importance amid growing tension between their allied parties – the PPP and PML-N.

According to the President's House, the meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah.

The PPP delegation included Senators Sherry Rehman, Saleem Mandviwalla and Nayyar Hussain Bukhari.

During the discussions, the president and the prime minister reviewed the current political climate, internal and regional security situation, and recent international developments, including efforts for peace in Gaza.

PM Shehbaz briefed President Zardari on his recent visits to Egypt and Malaysia, including his engagements with world leaders and discussions on Pakistan's diplomatic outreach.

The two leaders also held a one-on-one meeting, during which they exchanged views on key national priorities and the overall direction of government policies.

A statement said both agreed to maintain "continuous political consultation on issues of national importance".

PPP–PML-N tension rises over security row

However, fresh tensions within the ruling coalition resurfaced after reports surfaced that the Punjab government had withdrawn security from Bilawal House in Lahore, drawing strong criticism from PPP leaders.

PPP Lahore President Aslam Gill accused the PML-N of "pettiness and small-mindedness," saying, "The withdrawal of security is an act of political insecurity. The PPP is a party of struggle; it does not rely on state protection."

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb dismissed the reports.

"The news about the withdrawal of Bilawal House security is completely false and baseless," she wrote on X.

"The security of Bilawal House remains fully intact and was never withdrawn. Media outlets are strongly advised to verify such information from official government sources before broadcasting," she added.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Police spokesperson also denied the allegations, calling reports of security withdrawal "baseless and contrary to facts." The spokesperson clarified that "security at Bilawal House remains fully intact and in accordance with standard procedure."

"Some personnel were on rest leave, and replacements have been dispatched," the police statement read.

"Linking routine administrative changes to political motives is misleading and contrary to facts. No such instructions were issued by the Punjab government," it added.

However, sources within the PPP claimed that the party leadership was angered by the development and had decided not to request police protection again, saying, "Even if the government offers security now, we will not accept it".

The same sources alleged that the Punjab government had earlier withdrawn security from Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani's family.