Islamabad/Lahore:
Alarmed by the ghost of creeping provincialism, which was caused by tit-for-tate barbs over the flood response, the top leading of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will be hung in a bid to turn off tension and sage-coalition-coalition-coalition warmth.
National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stepped in as a broker and hosted a meeting between the two sides of his chamber to abuse tension.
In Lahore, meanwhile, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Caira Punjab Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent speaker as “inappropriate.”
The criticism drew an immediate riposte from Punjab -Information Minister Azma Bukhari, who accused PPP of politicizing flood relief and unreasonably appointed Punjab.
The PPP delegation, led by Syed Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani, met with the PML-N management, which included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Rana Sanaullah and Rana Mubashir, among others.
During the meeting in the federal capital, PPP leaders raised objections to the recent statements and speaking from Punjab cm Maryam Nawaz. Naveed Qamar emphasized that “negative statements from coalition partners damage unit” and warned that continued verbal exchanges from both sides would be “inappropriate.”
After discussions, the two parties agreed to stop the word against each other to preserve coalition’s harmony.
Qamar Zamman Kaira
Caira criticized a press conference at the PPP Secretariat in Lahore and criticized Maryam’s remarks, such as “We Will Break Hands and Silence Tongues” and said such a language was effortless to a coalition partner.
He emphasized that PPP had supported PML-N in good faith, which repeatedly called for the implementation of written agreements that were never fully honored. “We don’t just give advice, we give opinions. If these are not about, criticism of our democratic right,” he said.
He said that PPP would praise a good job where it was done, but also reserves the right to criticize failures with reference to the recent floods as an example.
With reference to CM’s comments, Kaira said, “We were told that the one traveling a finger will be broken. Bilawal Bhutto has tried with great patience to move things forward. We are also Punjabis. When Bilawal visited flooded areas, he praised work in Punjab cm.
He emphasized that every time PPP raised concerns, such as NFC assignments or rehabilitation of flood victims, Sindh was unfairly targeted. “We are not asking for division of power, but we support the government. Don’t forget the last time we divorced ways,” he warned.
Caira insisted that giving suggestions for flood rehabilitation should not be misunderstood as an attack on Punjab. “Through Bisp, the original help is provided. If you want to give millions to the victims, go ahead, but you are not just cm for Punjab … You are also Nawaz Sharif’s daughter,” he said.
He paid tribute to Bisp as “the greatest poverty reduction program globally” and urged leaders to exercise restraint. “Should we leave Punjab? You control, but do not end the rights of others. Your words must strengthen the federation and not weaken it,” he added.
On the question of PML-N still needed PPP after the decision on reserved seats, Caira refused to answer. “Answering it will increase the bitterness, so I won’t.”
Azma Bukhari
Punjab -Information Minister Azma Bukhari condemned greatly Caira’s remarks and said PPP “raced” to hold press conferences against the Punjab government.
“You do not claim to politicize the situation of flood victims, but still you keep pressing against Punjab? Before you criticize Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s daughter, you should have looked at your own past,” she said.
“The party whose leader was a woman is now collectively targeted at a women’s leader. Keep your popularity into consideration before you question our. Such statements will not affect us, nor do they help stand on their own feet.”
Bukhari accused PPP of “pointing fingers at Punjab Unisont”, adding that CM Maryam, her cabinet and provincial institutions had been with flood victims “since the first day”.
“As a mature politician from Punjab, it is disappointing that you chose to politicize Punjab’s flood victim. When you make personal attacks, you can expect the same in return,” she warned.
She said PPP was free to use Bisp in Sindh. “You can give RS10,000 to victims there, but Maryam Nawaz gives RS1 million to Punjabs victims because that’s what they need.”
“Punjab’s resources are among its people. We don’t need anyone’s advice on how to use them. With provincial foundations, Punjab has built 20,000 kilometers of roads, and more than 90 initiatives for Maryam Nawaz are financed without a single rupie from the Federation. As Punjabis, this should not be proud,” she added. “
