The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has demanded that Maryam Nawaz retract her recent statements about Punjab and issue a public apology. This demand came during a meeting between a PPP delegation and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. The meeting highlighted growing tensions within the ruling coalition. PPP leaders firmly denied that any of their members made controversial remarks against Punjab. They challenged Maryam Nawaz to provide proof, or else apologize.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar listened carefully to PPP’s concerns and assured them he would work to ease tensions. He had already contacted PPP leadership earlier to help resolve the dispute. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar also briefed Dar on the issue before the meeting. The government aims to prevent the disagreement from escalating further. This shows the seriousness with which coalition leaders are handling the matter.
Read more: Flood aid fight: Maryam slams PPP’s ‘politics of relief’
The rift deepened after Maryam Nawaz criticized PPP’s handling of flood relief efforts in Punjab. PPP accused PML-N of politicizing the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). PPP leaders said BISP is the fastest way to deliver relief to flood victims. They criticized Punjab’s refusal to use BISP data for compensation. The dispute has led to heated exchanges between the two parties in Parliament.
PML-N responded by accusing PPP of playing “flood politics” and lacking real solutions. Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the government would use its own funds for flood relief. Meanwhile, PPP lawmakers walked out of the National Assembly to protest Maryam Nawaz’s remarks. The tension also spread to disagreements over water rights on the Indus River, further straining relations.
Read more: PPP doesn’t want to politicise floods, says Memon in response to Punjab CM
PPP leaders called for calm and dialogue to resolve issues between provinces. Sherry Rehman urged both sides to address disputes responsibly within Parliament. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar also called for open talks to ease the political conflict. Both parties now face pressure to work together for national stability. This situation highlights the fragile nature of the coalition government.