The much-anticipated talks between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the National Assembly Speaker’s chamber ended inconclusively on Monday, deepening the political rift.
Despite repeated government efforts, PPP refused to extend support in legislation and announced it would continue its protests and walkouts in the House.
Inconclusive talks in speaker’s chamber
Delegations from both parties sat down for discussions but failed to reach common ground. On the PPP side, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Ijaz Jakhrani, and Ghulam Mustafa Shah represented the party. PML-N was represented by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Sanaullah, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Also Read: PPP refuses legislative support to Centre amid rift with Punjab govt
According to sources, the government appealed to the PPP for cooperation in legislation. However, PPP responded firmly, refusing to back the treasury on any legislative agenda. The party’s representatives insisted they would only take symbolic part in parliamentary sessions while continuing their protest.
Rana Sanaullah confirms deadlock
The PM's Adviser Rana Sanaullah acknowledged the stalemate, saying PPP’s stance is that “until the top leadership of both parties sit together and decide on the future course of action, the matter will not move forward.”
He revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. However, the meeting could not take place due to the premier’s official visit to Malaysia.
Also Read: Senate session erupts in chaos as PPP walks out, PTI protests
PPP’s continued protest and position
PPP sources maintained that the party would persist with its symbolic participation in parliamentary sessions while continuing walkouts until their concerns were properly addressed. They also warned that the Punjab government would be responsible for any further deterioration of the political situation.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf stressed during deliberations that PPP’s stance was not about seeking apologies but about ensuring respect for the federation and protecting the dignity of leadership.
Also Read: Aleem Khan urges PML-N, PPP to focus on governance, not rhetoric
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari personally intervened to ease mounting tensions between the Sindh and Punjab governments following a heated exchange over flood relief efforts. The dispute, which began with criticism over mismanagement, has evolved into a public war of words and even a debate challenge between top provincial leaders.
According to officials, President Zardari spoke with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi by phone to discuss the widening rift between the two provinces. He has also summoned the minister to Karachi for an urgent consultation on the matter.
Zardari stressed the need for dialogue and coordination at both federal and provincial levels, emphasizing that political differences should be resolved through communication rather than confrontation. The president is expected to review the issue in detail and suggest measures to defuse tensions.
