ISLAMABAD: Talks between the government and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at the speaker’s chamber concluded without any agreement, Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and advisor on political affairs, stated that the PPP will continue their protests and will walk out of Parliament.
He added that a meeting between President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled for today but was postponed due to the Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia. Sanaullah confirmed that the Prime Minister plans to address the PPP’s concerns upon his return from Malaysia.
Sanaullah also clarified that the PPP has not requested an apology from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The ongoing tensions stem from disagreements over aid distribution to flood victims in Punjab through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and seeking international assistance for the devastating floods in the region.
Earlier, Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister and leader of PML-N, expressed support for Maryam Nawaz amid the escalating dispute between the PPP and Punjab’s government. Sources revealed that Shehbaz Sharif discussed the issue with Nawaz Sharif, suggesting that if Maryam Nawaz refrains from aggressive statements, the PPP might also hold back.
Nawaz Sharif defended Maryam Nawaz, stating that her remarks are a response to PPP’s criticisms and emphasizing her representation of Punjab’s interests. Following Nawaz’s support, Sindh’s Information Minister Sharjeel Memon issued a sharp critique of Punjab’s leadership during a press conference.
The conflict has intensified after Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari reaffirmed that Maryam Nawaz would not apologize for her recent statements. She highlighted Punjab’s stance on the Cholistan water canal issue, criticizing Sindh’s protests and urging the PPP to focus on its own responsibilities while allowing PML-N to govern effectively.
Bukhari also questioned the rationale behind demands for an apology, defending Maryam Nawaz’s efforts for Punjab’s development and suggesting that Sindh’s residents admire her leadership.
