Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a committee to address rising tensions between his party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and its key coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), according to state-run media. The move comes after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari openly criticized the federal government over several issues, including the recent ban on virtual private networks (VPNs) and a controversial project to construct new canals on the Indus River, which was approved without PPP’s consultation.
The committee, tasked with fostering cooperation and resolving disputes, includes prominent figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and several other key ministers and PML-N leaders. They will engage in discussions with PPP representatives to address the political and administrative issues between the two parties.
The PPP, though not part of the federal government, holds significant influence through its leadership in the Sindh province and its crucial support in parliament. The PPP’s backing has been essential in passing key legislative measures, including the national budget and constitutional amendments earlier this year.
Prime Minister Sharif’s government is now seeking to resolve these differences to maintain a stable coalition and ensure continued collaboration in the lead-up to upcoming national political challenges.
