PPP calls on PM Shehbaz to implement 'power-sharing formula'

PPP Urges PML-N-Led Government to Implement Power-Sharing Agreement

LAHORE: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ruling coalition partner, has called on the PML-N-led federal government to honor the power-sharing agreement reached in February 2024 to ease tensions between the two parties.

The matter was raised during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP leaders Syed Khursheed Shah, Shazia Marri, and Aijaz Jakhrani at National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq's residence in Lahore on Sunday. The PPP delegation had gathered to congratulate Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, a PPP leader, on his son's wedding.

During their discussion with PM Shehbaz, Shah and Jakhrani emphasized the need to fully implement the power-sharing arrangement, while Marri highlighted Sindh’s concerns over its water share and the federal government’s plan to construct six canals on the Indus River, sources told Geo News on Monday.

Following the February 8, 2024, general elections, the PPP and PML-N—historical rivals—formed a coalition government after both parties fell short of a simple majority. Under the agreed-upon arrangement, PPP chose not to join PM Shehbaz’s cabinet but accepted key constitutional roles, including the presidency. Additionally, PPP secured the Senate chairmanship, the Balochistan chief minister position, the National Assembly deputy speakership, and the governorships of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in exchange for supporting the PML-N in forming governments at the federal level and in Punjab.

However, tensions have grown as PPP has accused PML-N of sidelining it in decision-making. Last month, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the government for making "unilateral decisions" as if it had a two-thirds majority.

"The government is acting as if it has a two-thirds majority... Policies would be more effective if they consulted with allies," Bilawal had remarked.

Earlier, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri warned that the PML-N-led government would collapse if PPP withdrew its support. She also slammed the federal government for excluding PPP from key decisions, including the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority.

Sources revealed that the February 2 meeting between PPP and PML-N leadership focused on resolving differences and mending ties.

"Bringing PPP on board is our top priority," PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying. He assured the PPP leaders that minor political disputes would be addressed through dialogue.