ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) issued on Sunday a stern warning to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), cautioning that continued sidelining of the key ally of the ruling coalition on critical national issues could lead to the collapse of the PML-N-led federal government.
The warning that PPP can suddenly pull the rug from under PML-N’s feet depicts the widening gulf between the two parties and raises questions about the stability of their post-election alliance as PPP has repeatedly accused the federal government of ignoring its ally in critical decision-making.
Tensions between PPP and PML-N have been simmering for months. Growing mistrust between the two sides once again surfaced on Sunday after PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri expressed frustration over the federal government’s continuous habit of making decisions without taking PPP into confidence.
Marri criticised the federal government’s decision to establish the Pakistan Maritime and Sea Port Authority without PPP or provincial government.
“Neither the Sindh government nor the PPP were taken into confidence on this decision,” Marri said.
“The day we withdraw our support, this government will no longer stand. Perhaps the PML-N does not fully realise this,” she added.
While criticising the federal government for repeatedly sidelining PPP on significant matters, Marri said that the “federal government has consistently made decisions without consulting us”.
Marri’s statement has come at a time when committees from both parties have held talks to resolve their differences. Despite these meetings, the deadlock remains unbroken.
The PPP, a key ally of the ruling coalition, has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s governance style and its failure to fulfil promises made to provinces.
In November, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari publicly lashed out at the PML-N’s governance style and accused it of breaching agreements, including those related to water management, new canal construction from the Indus River and flood rehabilitation.
Highlighting the PPP’s frustration, Marri pointed out the failure to convene a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting for 11 months, describing it as a “blatant violation of the Constitution”.
“The prime minister is constitutionally obligated to convene the CCI every three months,” Marri stated, emphasising that the Maritime and Sea Port Authority issue should have been brought to the CCI for deliberation.
“Important national matters cannot be decided without consulting allies and provinces,” she said.
The PPP has also demanded that recommendations from the task force on the maritime sector, proposals regarding the Karachi Port Trust and suggestions on marine affairs be discussed with the PPP and the Sindh government before any decisions are finalised.
She said that ignoring input from key stakeholders undermines constitutional norms and widens the gulf between the centre and provinces.
The PPP’s grievances are not new. Following the February 2024 elections, the two parties forged an alliance to address the split mandate, dividing key constitutional offices. However, the PPP has frequently accused PML-N of deviating from the agreement since then.
From approving projects without consultation to delays in critical flood rehabilitation, PPP leaders have repeatedly highlighted what they view as the PML-N’s dismissive approach. In previous instances, such as the federal budget session, PPP lawmakers staged symbolic protests, accusing the government of taking their support for granted.
Despite repeated assurances from PML-N leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the PPP remains dissatisfied with the progress on key issues. Bilawal has previously warned that the alliance’s survival hinges on mutual respect and adherence to agreements.
The timing of PPP’s latest warning is significant. With PTI intensifying its political pressure and the PML-N navigating sensitive negotiations, PPP’s discontent adds another layer of complexity to the federal government’s challenges.
Marri’s statement, coupled with Bilawal’s earlier remarks, signals a potential escalation in the rift between the two parties. She called for the government to prioritise constitutional and democratic principles, emphasising that governance based on inclusivity and consultation would serve all stakeholders better.
The information minister didn’t respond to a text message seeking comments on the development.
