Zardari to Raise Punjab Dispute with Relevant Stakeholders

Lahore: President Asif Ali Zardari has agreed to take up the issue of growing differences between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab with the concerned quarters.

According to sources quoted by *The Express Tribune*, a majority of participants in a recent meeting expressed dissatisfaction over Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s attitude. Several provincial and central PPP leaders suggested that, given the PML-N’s “negative politics,” the party should consider sitting on the opposition benches in Punjab.

Some participants emphasized that the PPP should either be part of the government by joining the provincial cabinet or sit in opposition, particularly in Punjab. One leader lamented that “the prime minister seems to have no control over Punjab.”

PPP leaders advised President Zardari to convey to the relevant stakeholders how Maryam Nawaz was creating obstacles in coalition cooperation.

Zardari agreed to the proposal and requested a month’s time to address the issue. PPP’s parliamentary leader in Punjab, Ali Haider Gillani, said President Zardari might raise the matter directly with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif during their meeting.

The president also briefed participants on the “two-front challenges” Pakistan faces on its eastern and western borders and emphasized the need to focus national energies on strengthening unity.

Responding to the proposal for PPP lawmakers to move to the opposition benches, Zardari reiterated that the party would maintain a uniform national policy and make collective decisions in this regard.