ISLAMABAD: Political tensions between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have intensified after a heated exchange between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto. The disagreement centers on how best to deliver aid to flood-affected communities in South Punjab.
The dispute began when Bilawal Bhutto publicly urged the federal government to use the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to distribute relief funds. He described BISP as the most effective welfare system and suggested that the Punjab government should seek international assistance to manage the crisis.
In response, Maryam Nawaz sharply criticized the proposal, dismissing BISP as ineffective and claiming it offered only minimal financial support. She insisted that her provincial government was fully capable of providing more substantial and direct relief to the affected families.
The political clash quickly escalated, with Maryam Nawaz accusing the PPP of undermining her government’s efforts. She also alleged that the party was politicizing the canal project, which she claimed deprived Punjab of its fair share of water despite her willingness to finance it.
Veteran journalist Hamid Mir noted that the ongoing feud carries deeper political undertones. During a recent talk show, he revealed that both Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto are aiming for the prime minister’s position in the next general election. He warned that their rivalry could damage both parties and weaken the coalition government.
Mir also disclosed that Maryam Nawaz is reportedly unhappy with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for not appointing her preferred candidates to key government posts. Analysts believe that the growing rift between the PML-N and PPP could further destabilize the already fragile coalition setup.
As verbal attacks continue from both sides, political observers caution that this escalating confrontation may harm governance at both federal and provincial levels, particularly at a time when Pakistan faces multiple crises.
In other news read more about Nawaz Sharif Backs Maryam In Row With PPP
