The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has responded to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s criticism regarding the fulfillment of budgetary commitments by urging coalition partners to resolve issues within cabinet or committee meetings instead of publicly airing grievances. Ahsan Iqbal, a senior leader of the PML-N, emphasized the importance of stability and unity within the ruling coalition, highlighting the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in addressing the concerns of coalition partners. This article examines the PML-N’s response and the need for constructive dialogue among coalition members.
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Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning and a prominent PML-N member stated that it is crucial for coalition partners to discuss their concerns and disagreements within the confines of cabinet or committee meetings. Iqbal highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and avoiding public confrontations that could negatively impact the country. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to addressing the concerns of coalition partners and emphasized the need for a united approach to governance.
Iqbal acknowledged that disagreements and differences of opinion are inevitable within a coalition government. He emphasized the significance of consensus-building, stating that decisions made through collective agreement often have wider acceptance. Iqbal noted that all coalition partners were consulted during the preparation of the budget, and the National Economic Council (NEC) made decisions based on consensus. He emphasized the importance of owning and defending these decisions collectively.
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In response to Bilawal’s criticism of the proposed budget’s lack of focus on flood reconstruction, Iqbal highlighted the government’s efforts in utilizing available resources for rehabilitation. He mentioned the distribution of tents and other necessities worth billions of rupees in Sindh and Balochistan through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Iqbal also praised Minister for Power Khurram Dastagir for restoring transmission lines and grid stations in flood-affected areas promptly. He emphasized that the coalition government is working together with a national spirit to serve the country.
Iqbal criticized Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, for alleged economic mismanagement. He highlighted the PML-N’s role in saving the country from potential default in the past and emphasized their commitment to reviving Pakistan’s economy. Iqbal expressed confidence in the PML-N’s track record of delivering on promises and highlighted the visionary leadership of Nawaz Sharif, who initiated significant development projects. He lamented Nawaz Sharif’s removal from office in 2017, suggesting that Pakistan could have achieved greater economic progress under his leadership.
Qamar Zaman Kaira, a PPP leader, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, responded to the controversy by stating that the issue would be addressed in an upcoming meeting. He emphasized that the matter had been unnecessarily hyped and expressed hope for a resolution through constructive dialogue.
The PML-N’s call for internal disputes to be resolved within cabinet meetings highlights the importance of maintaining stability and unity within the ruling coalition. The party emphasizes the need for consensus-building and constructive dialogue to address concerns effectively. As the coalition government works toward the country’s development and economic revival, it is crucial for coalition partners to collaborate and find solutions internally, rather than resorting to public criticism and confrontations that can undermine the government’s effectiveness.
