President Asif Ali Zardari has intervened to calm rising tensions between Sindh and Punjab governments. The conflict erupted over accusations of mismanagement in flood relief efforts following devastating floods. After a sharp public exchange between provincial leaders, Zardari summoned Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Karachi for urgent consultations.
The president stressed resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation among federal and provincial authorities. He aims to review the situation and propose steps to reduce political friction and improve flood relief coordination. The rift deepened when PPP’s Sharmila Farooqi criticized Punjab’s relief work, challenging the province to a performance comparison.
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Punjab’s spokesperson Uzma Bukhari responded quickly, defending Punjab’s efforts and accepting the challenge, offering to present full records. Sindh’s Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon countered, highlighting ongoing suffering of displaced people still living in tents, demanding Punjab provide proof of their claims.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, spokesperson for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, called for an independent commission to audit relief efforts instead of political debates. He emphasized focusing on serving flood victims rather than engaging in blame games. Aseefa Bhutto also criticized the neglect of using Benazir Income Support Programme funds for relief, calling it gross negligence.
The president’s intervention signals a move toward dialogue to address the humanitarian crisis amid political tensions. Officials hope that coordinated efforts can improve relief delivery and ease the charged political atmosphere between the provinces.