ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:
The rift between coalition partners, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), escalated dramatically on Tuesday as PPP lawmakers staged a walkout from the National Assembly. The protest was triggered by critical comments made a day earlier by Punjab Chief Minister and PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz.
The verbal conflict, which initially centered on flood compensation via the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), broadened to include water rights on the Indus River. At a Faisalabad event on Monday, Maryam Nawaz defended a controversial canal project, dismissed Sindh’s objections, and warned the PPP leadership to refrain from criticizing Punjab’s development policies—a stance that prompted the parliamentary walkout.
PPP Laments Political Escalation Amid Floods
Taking the floor of the lower house, PPP’s senior leader Naveed Qamar highlighted the severe ongoing flood situation, noting that a recent FAO report had warned of the impact on upcoming Rabi cultivation.
“Unfortunately, people have not seen rescue efforts following the floods but have seen a lot of politics,” Qamar lamented.
He acknowledged that some statements had come from their side but stressed that the subsequent escalation and the level to which the war of words had reached were “in no way appropriate.” Qamar pointed out that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had initially praised the Punjab government’s flood response.
Referring to Sindh’s repeated experience with floods, Qamar offered advice on effective relief: “We learnt that instead of sending flour or sacks, give people cash directly so that they can rebuild their lives.” He expressed dismay that this advice was treated as criticism.
He strongly protested Maryam’s remarks, quoting her as saying, “‘Our water, our money, our will’ — what does that mean?”
“This is our country and it belongs to all of us… Consider our suggestions; if you don’t like them, don’t accept them, but the response should not be what it has been,” Qamar said, stressing that the Indus is the “lifeline of Pakistan” and belongs to no single province.
Qamar concluded by stating that in such an environment, it was difficult to remain on the treasury benches: “This is not a partnership. We are not getting a fee to sit with you. If you give us respect, we are with you in national interest… We cannot take part in House proceedings until things improve. We are walking out.” The NA session was subsequently adjourned until Friday.
Need for Dialogue and Respect
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar immediately offered an apology if the PPP was distressed by the comments, calling for dialogue to resolve the issues.
Separately, PPP leader Sherry Rehman emphasized that the matter should be taken up in both Houses of Parliament, insisting that the party had always acted responsibly and spoken “within the bounds of decency.” She also lauded the BISP as a globally recognized social protection program.
Rehman questioned how the PPP could continue to be part of the alliance under the current circumstances, reiterating that the “war of words” was detrimental and that in such an environment, maintaining consistent support for the government had become difficult.
