Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke over the phone on Thursday to discuss the country’s current political climate, amid growing tensions between their respective coalition parties.
According to an official statement issued by the PPP, both leaders exchanged views on political developments, foreign policy matters, and relief operations for flood-affected communities across Pakistan.
The conversation comes as relations between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP have soured over the handling of relief efforts in the wake of recent floods.
In recent days, both parties have engaged in a war of words through press conferences and public statements, each accusing the other of mishandling disaster management and governance issues.
Maryam Nawaz’s remarks deepen rift
The dispute intensified after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued a sharp statement directed at the Sindh government, asserting that Punjab “does not need advice” on water rights or relief management.
During a public address last week, Maryam Nawaz stood firm on her stance, saying she would not apologize for her remarks and accused the PPP of “wrongly criticizing” the Punjab administration.
In response, PPP lawmakers from Sindh staged walkouts from both the National Assembly and Senate sessions in protest, further deepening the rift between the coalition partners.
Efforts underway to rase political tensions
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, senior leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have stepped in to defuse the tensions.
According to party sources, President Zardari also reached out to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to mediate and help calm the political friction between the two ruling allies.
