Tensions Rise as Pakistan Peoples Party Accuses PML-N of Secret Alliance with Caretaker Government

ISLAMABAD: Tensions are escalating between two major allies from the previous government in Pakistan, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), ahead of the upcoming general elections. The PPP has accused the PML-N of having a hidden alliance with the current caretaker government.

In a statement, PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari raised concerns about PML-N leader and former finance minister Ishaq Dar holding the position of Leader of the House in the Senate. He alleged, “An alliance between the PML-N and the caretaker government is obvious.”

Bukhari questioned the status of Ishaq Dar, as in the Senate, the Leader of the House represents the prime minister. He also wondered why the caretaker government has not appointed an independent member of the Senate as the Leader of the House, a position that comes with privileges like having a national flag on the residence and car.

Both the PPP and the PML-N were key allies in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) regime, which governed the country for 16 months following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Bukhari noted that interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s associates, Ahad Cheema and Fawad Hassan Fawad, have close ties to PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. He also mentioned that the Governor of Punjab, Baleeghur Rehman, is from the PML-N.

Bukhari emphasized that ensuring free and fair elections is the responsibility of the establishment, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and the caretaker government. He called on the caretaker government and the ECP to demonstrate their impartiality through their actions, as political and economic stability hinges on fair and free polls.

He stated that the PPP is open to dialogue for an election alliance with any party registered with the ECP, except disqualified and anti-state elements. The PPP is committed to reconciliation and has formed alliances with political opponents in the past for the sake of the country’s constitution and democracy.