LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met his elder brother and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Saturday — a day before departing for a two-day official visit to Malaysia — and discussed the growing tensions between the PPP and PML-N, urging Nawaz to help calm the situation.
According to party sources, the meeting at the Sharif family’s Jati Umra residence focused on governance matters and the ongoing rift with the PPP-led Sindh government over flood relief and canal water issues. “The prime minister told the PML-N president that since the PPP was its coalition partner, it was crucial for the stability of the government that the dispute not linger on,” said a source familiar with the discussion.
The premier reportedly asked Nawaz to speak with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and persuade her to take a reconciliatory approach toward the PPP leadership.
Both leaders agreed that unity within the coalition was vital to ensure political stability and smooth governance.
Party’s official stance
In its official statement, the PML-N said the prime minister briefed Nawaz Sharif on his recent foreign visits and the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the outcome of successful negotiations with protesters there.
Background of the dispute
Tensions between the coalition partners began over flood compensation and escalated to disputes over water rights and canal distribution on the Indus River.
Maryam Nawaz earlier hit out at the PPP, telling its leadership to “keep its advice to itself”. In response, the PPP boycotted parliamentary sessions, demanding an apology from her.
However, CM Maryam has refused to apologies, defending her remarks and accusing the PPP of politicizing flood relief and canal issues.
The PPP, in turn, accused Maryam of lacking legitimacy, echoing PTI’s allegations that her government was a “by-product of Form 47”.
Read More: Ayaz Sadiq Assumes Charge as Acting President During Absence of President and Senate Chairman
PPP Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan criticised the Punjab CM, saying: “Maryam Nawaz, who calls those raising public issues enemies of Punjab, is herself the real problem. She is displaying racist thinking to hide her failure to protect people from floodwaters.”
PM’s Malaysia visit
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Mr. Shehbaz will leave for Malaysia from October 5 to 7 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and senior officials.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit reflects the strong and enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation across various sectors.
A PML-N statement added that Anwar Ibrahim also extended an invitation to Nawaz Sharif, who said he would consider visiting Malaysia at a later date.