Pakistan’s political landscape remains tense as President Asif Ali Zardari met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday night to discuss the country’s evolving political situation. The meeting comes amid an escalating row between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The discussion, held in Nawabshah, aimed to defuse rising tensions between the two major coalition partners that have exchanged sharp statements in recent days. According to an official statement, the leaders reviewed the overall political and security situation in the country, along with regional and international developments.
Zardari Steps In to Ease Coalition Friction
The ongoing disagreement between the PPP and the PML-N has intensified over issues including flood compensation, water rights, and the Cholistan canals project. The PPP, which governs Sindh, has expressed strong displeasure over remarks made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, accusing the Punjab government of ignoring Sindh’s concerns.
To prevent a further breakdown in relations, senior figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari have intervened to calm tempers. Zardari has reportedly urged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to play an active role in facilitating reconciliation between the two sides.
During the meeting, FM Ishaq Dar briefed President Zardari on his recent participation at the United Nations General Assembly, where he met several global leaders. Dar shared his insights on pressing regional and global issues, reflecting Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach.
PPP Convenes Emergency Leadership Meeting
Amid the widening political rift, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called an emergency meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to deliberate on critical political decisions.
A statement from the party confirmed that “important decisions regarding national politics will be made” during the session. This meeting is expected to clarify the PPP’s future course of action within the ruling alliance, especially after recent warnings from senior party figures.
Earlier, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman cautioned the PML-N that her party’s support in the Senate could not be taken for granted. She said the PPP’s CEC would determine whether the party would continue supporting the federal government or shift to the opposition benches. Rehman stressed that PPP “does not wish to destabilise the government” but would not “manage the affairs” of another party’s administration.
Calls for Dialogue and Political Unity
Amid this political standoff, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah urged coalition partners to set aside their differences. Speaking in a televised interview, he said, “The current political leadership should sit together, resolve their disputes, and move forward in the national interest.”
Sanaullah dismissed speculation of any establishment interference, saying that “there will be no interference from that side,” and that the military establishment “would rather provide help” if political leaders work toward unity.
Dismissing Speculation Over Presidency and Army Chief
Sanaullah also addressed persistent rumours suggesting that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir could be considered for the presidency. He categorically rejected these reports, calling them baseless and unfounded. He asserted that the army chief has “no personal or political agenda” and “will retire peacefully, without any intention to assume political office.”
Speculation about possible changes in the presidency began circulating in July, with some social media reports claiming that President Zardari might step down to make way for a presidential system of government. Other rumours alleged that Zardari had placed conditions for his exit, including a political role for Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in a new setup.
However, both Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry have repeatedly dismissed these rumours as “nonsense” and “fabricated narratives” aimed at destabilizing the ruling coalition.
A Test for Coalition Stability
The tensions between PPP and PML-N underscore the fragile nature of Pakistan’s coalition politics. While both parties remain integral to the federal government, their continued disagreements threaten to undermine legislative cooperation and delay key policy decisions.
President Zardari’s engagement signals a renewed push for coalition harmony, particularly at a time when Pakistan faces pressing economic and security challenges. Political analysts believe that a united government front is essential to sustain stability and ensure effective governance.
As PPP’s CEC prepares to announce its next steps, the coming days will reveal whether reconciliation efforts led by Zardari and Sharif can restore unity within the coalition or deepen existing political divides.
