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Pakistan's dilemma. How long will a new coalition Government last?

Former information minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry has predicted the end of the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, saying that three of the PML-N allies are parting ways.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, Fawad said that failure to procure wheat at the end of the year will lead to a flour crisis. "Punjab's water is being given to Sindh to please the PPP."

He said that the chief secretary of Punjab and IG Police are unsure to whom they should listen as there is practically no government in the province to take administrative decisions.

"As per our information, three allies have refused to support Shehbaz Sharif and the government is ending by May 20," he added.

The former information minister also said that he expected Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to take a decision this week regarding the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the party's claims of a "foreign conspiracy" behind former prime minister Imran Khan's ouster.

If the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is unable to hold elections in three months then its chairman should resign, he added.

Express Tribune
 
The parliamentary party of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday urged the coalition partners to expedite the process of electoral, economic and administrative reforms and work out a timetable for completing the government’s reforms agenda.

The parliamentary party met here with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. The meeting passed various resolutions in which it praised the relief measures taken by the government to redress problems of the people in the wake of unprecedented price hike in the last three-and-a-half years.

Through a resolution, the PML-N lawmakers stressed the need for accelerating the process of electoral, economic and administrative reforms as promised by the coalition government to the people. It asked the coalition parties to come up with a clear timetable for the speedy completion of this agenda.

Read More: Iqbal sees election after reforms

The parliamentary party paid rich tribute to the performance of the government of Prime Minister Shahbaz and endorsed its agenda and initiatives. The meeting appreciated Shehbaz’s efforts for turning around the national economy and providing relief to the masses.

“The provision of relief to the people during Ramazan by significantly reducing the prices of flour, sugar, ghee and other essential commodities were the pro-people democratic measures of the pro-people democratic government,” another resolution read.

The resolution added that it was a challenge to provide relief to the people in the difficult economic situation as they had been facing difficulties because of inflation in the last four years. It also praised the government decision not to increase fuel prices despite a sharp rise in prices in the international market.

The PML-N urged the prime minister to deal strongly with the elements conspiring to trigger a civil war in the country. It demanded of the prime minister to take immediate legal action against the former “undemocratic” prime minister for attacking national institutions.

The PML-N parliamentary party fully supported the government measures in defence of the Constitution, judiciary and national institutions. “Pakistan's economy and its national interests cannot tolerate any chaos or bloodshed in the country,” the party said.

The meeting appealed to all the coalition partners, people from all schools of thought, media persons, lawyers and civil society members to condemn the conspiracy against the Constitution, judiciary and national institutions.

The meeting also condemned the sloganeering in Masjid-i-Nabwi recently, urging the government to take effective measures so that such heinous acts were not repeated in the future. The meeting said that PM Shahbaz was taking steps for strengthening the federation and national unity.
 
The future of the coalition government is hanging by a thread as serious differences seem to have emerged between the multi-party government and the country’s powerful stakeholders, it emerged on Thursday.

If the statements of several leaders of the coalition government, as well as the political experts, are to go by it is evident that the main point of contention is the duration of the incumbent government’s tenure.

The government is ready to take tough decisions but only on the condition that it will serve the remaining constitutional term in office without any hindrance or intrigues.

However, developments during the last couple of days suggest that the powerful quarters are now increasingly inclined towards holding early elections in the country – a phenomenon that suddenly emerged, and embroiled the government and the powerful quarters in a dispute.

The stalemate between the government and stakeholders is not only becoming visible with every passing day but causing delays in the decision-making process of the government and, thus, affecting the economy and the country itself.

It was because of this reason that the coalition government was reluctant to take tough economic decisions, including ending fuel subsidy which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has linked with the revival of the loan programme.

The uncertainty coupled with former premier Imran Khan’s planned rally and sit-in in the capital has also pushed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to repeatedly postpone his address to the nation where he is expected to present his economic plan.

In fact, political analysts, while shedding light on the gravity of the situation, said that the prime minister could announce dissolution of assemblies instead of presenting the fiscal plan if not assured by the stakeholders that he would complete the remaining term.

Keeping the current situation in view, the coalition partners of the ruling party clearly conveyed to PM Shehbaz the other night that they would stand by the government if it takes tough economic decisions.

The allies reiterated their support for the government on Thursday night but opined that the government should complete the remaining tenure to ensure that the measures needed for stabilising the economy were completed.

The notion of ‘forcefully’ ending the government pushed the allies to the extent that they even floated the suggestion to summon a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to discuss the issue in detail and reach a decision as the current situation was not suitable for stabilising economy and things would further deteriorate if caretaker government was tasked with taking tough decisions.

Since inception, the political experts say, the government has been mulling about deciding tenure of the government and the timeframe for the next elections but could not reach any decision as they do not have assurance from the stakeholders that they would be able to complete full term.

On Thursday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, while speaking in Sargodha, dropped a major hint that the government might go for snap polls instead of doing the heavy lifting of economic mismanagement allegedly caused by the last Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

On ending fuel subsidy, Maryam said that her father and three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif says that he would leave the government but would not burden people – a clear hint that PML-N would prefer elections over a government standing on crutches.

In a series of questions, she asked the rally participants should PML-N take the blame for PTI’s bad performance and should PML-N stay in government or leave it. “It would be better to say goodbye than taking the blame for the poor performance of the previous government,” she herself answered the questions.

She further asked the rally if they would give two-third majority to PML-N if it leaves the government; a question that ex-PM Imran has also been asking in public rallies organised to build up pressure on the government and the stakeholders for fresh elections at the earliest.

Another hint about the stalemate between Islamabad and Rawalpindi emerged when Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Khursheed Shah clearly said that the coalition government was ready for the elections and they would be happy if the government was ended. “We would thank you for freeing us in just one month,” he said.

Several PML-N leaders also said that they were not in favour of a government standing with the support of crutches, saying the stakeholders should think about the current political and economic situation instead of resorting to arm-twisting.

Political experts also believe that the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to bar the government from posting and transfers was also an indication that the government would not have the luxury of time and free hand at decision making, including amending the NAB law, if it moves ahead with tough economic decisions.

Apparently, the government is stuck between a rock and a hard place as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already said that it cannot hold elections in the next few months and the stakeholders want them to go ahead with the fiscal measures without knowing the duration of their government. “Stakeholders cannot have it both ways,” they said.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2357469/govt-powerful-stakeholders-not-seeing-eye-to-eye
 
KARACHI: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has begun consultations with the coalition parties to quit the federal government with sources claiming that the majority of those consulted have suggested waiting for some days for support from the institutions for the incumbent government, ARY NEWS reported.

According to sources privy to the renewed discussions in the PM House during the last two days, a majority of the coalition parties have supported leaving the federal government with some conditions.

“Wait for some days for the support from institutions and if it does not come then the government should quit,” the sources said while sharing a decision from the majority of the coalition parties.

The coalition parties further suggested that any final decision should be made after necessary legislation within 10 days. “Some PPP leaders are supporting the idea of quitting the government in case of not getting the necessary support from the institutions,” they said.

They, however, said that some PPP and PML-N leaders are still supporting the idea to continue with the incumbent government.

Sources within PPP further shared that a delay in the televised address of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is being made owing to the delay in background consultations.

The sources further shared that consultation on the fate of rebel PTI leaders and mega corruption cases was also carried out with the coalition parties.

ARY
 
The PML-N-led coalition government appears unwilling to take the blame for any unpopular decisions it may have to take to fix the economy, and wants guaranteed backing of the powerful military establishment to help it see through the remaining period of its tenure till August next year.

The coalition, despite pressure from within its ranks to clear the air about the possibility of early polls or taking unpopular decisions, is looking to the powers-that-be to make their position clear in this respect. With each passing day, the government’s indecisiveness is taking a toll on the already tanking economy, as well as governance.

The current rulers appear reluctant to take up a ‘perceived offer’ from the establishment to enter into a bailout deal with the IMF, present the federal budget next month and immediately announce the date for polls (probably Oct-Nov). This is a sticking point at the moment, says a source with knowledge of the government’s backdoor parleys with the establishment. The coalition parties are of the view that taking difficult decisions on the economic front for a short term will cost them dearly if elections are held early.

The recent court decisions on defection of lawmakers and perceived interference in the prosecution of high-profile cases, which have been welcomed by the PTI, have been interpreted by some political observers as a ‘message’ to the incumbent rulers that they cannot stretch their rule for 15 months.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has come out in the open about the problems plaguing the ruling coalition. “So far, all allied parties have agreed on completion of the 15-month term. The problem is that if the IMF agrees, the economy can be revived. But raising petroleum prices is not acceptable to us. If the government has the support from ‘all sides’ then we can steer the country out of the crises. But if our hands are tied then we may take our allies into confidence and go to the masses,” Mr Sanaullah said.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who otherwise had a reputation of being an efficient administrator, so far could not make his presence felt, especially in key decision-making, as his role seems to have been reduced to an ‘interlocutor’ among his elder brother Nawaz Sharif, the establishment and the coalition partners — the PPP and JUI-F in particular.

Besides, PM Sharif, who looked very enthusiastic during the first couple of weeks after assuming charge, now seems to have lost the steam and is finding it hard to negotiate the difficult position his so-called government finds itself in today.

This quagmire has forced the ‘architect’ of the ruling coalition, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, to once again reach out to the heads of all allied parties to come up with a fresh strategy. On Saturday, he called on Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the challenges in detail.

The meeting also assumed importance as Mr Zardari flew in to Lahore from Islamabad in the backdrop of the arrest of former federal minister Shireen Mazari of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in which Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz claims to have “no hand”, and denial of relief to PM Shehbaz from a special court in a money laundering case that declined to confirm his bail.

A brief statement issued by the PML-N after the over 90-minute meeting in Model Town here said: “The meeting discussed the current situation, especially the economy, in the country. The coalition partners expressed their complete confidence in the leadership of the premier and praised the incumbent government for its steps for the welfare of the people.”

The fast-changing political scenario, followed by ousted premier Imran Khan’s pressure through massive rallies and an impending long march on the capital, has forced the main players of the coalition to review the strategy they formed before toppling the PTI government early last month. The coalition believes it can handle the PTI march if other things are sorted out with the establishment. Interior Minister Sanaullah has expressed his wish to arrest Mr Khan provided he gets the ‘go-ahead’, as he thinks even one day in prison would make the ousted premier forget politics.

Mr Zardari also recently reached out to Maulana Fazl and PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain for a ‘piece of advice’ to negotiate the challenges. Former federal minister Moonis Elahi of the PML-Q had recently claimed that two MNAs of his party — Salik Hussain and Tariq Bashir Cheema — who are now members of the Shehbaz cabinet would quit the government, leaving the coalition short of the required 172 MNAs in the National Assembly. In this backdrop, Zardari also requested Shujaat to make sure the lawmakers did not ditch them.

Former federal minister Sheikh Rashid on Saturday claimed the PPP co-chairman had now shown flexibility regarding early elections because of the recent political developments. “There are two groups in the PML-N over polls. At the end of the day, the government will have to concede to Imran Khan’s demand for early election as he is not ready to budge, come what may,” Mr Rashid said.

The Nawaz-camp of the PML-N has already endorsed Mr Khan’s demand, saying it would not be wise for the Shehbaz-led coalition to burden the masses with further price hike and inflation because of the devastating policies of the previous PTI regime.

PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz also voiced her father’s views on it, saying “Nawaz Sharif is ready to say goodbye to the government, but not pass on the economic burden to the people of Pakistan, as there is no point in carrying the weight of the blunders of Imran Khan. It’s better to go to the masses to seek a fresh mandate.”

A source in the PPP told Dawn that the coalition government was likely to take a decision about whether to stay in government or go for fresh polls after its final ‘backdoor talks’ with the establishment next week. “If things don’t work out, we will immediately rush for electoral and accountability reforms and announce the date for elections.”

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2022
 
The PML-N as well as Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz who had been blaming President Dr Arif Alvi and former governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema for a delay in formation of the cabinet are now showing no urgency in this respect after the issues related to ‘important portfolios’ cropped up within the party as well as with its coalition partner, the PPP.

“Which portfolio is given to whom – is the main issue the PMLN-PPP coalition in Punjab is facing regarding the formation of the cabinet,” a PML-N insider says while talking to Dawn.

In the PML-N, he adds, the party’s vice-president Maryam Nawaz wants to have her say in formation of the cabinet, especially in allocating portfolios.

“For example, Ms Nawaz wants information ministry for Azma Bokhari but both father and son (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz) have their favourite, Attaullah Tarar, for the slot.”

Similarly, he says, the PPP with seven seats in the Punjab Assembly is interested in two portfolios of the finance and communication & works but the junior Sharif wants to keep them within his party.

Soon after assuming the charge of the office on May 31, Governor Balighur Rehman administered oath to a ‘tiny eight-member’ cabinet of Hamza. Although Rana Iqbal, Atta Tarar, Awais Leghari, Malik Ahmad Khan, Khwaja Salman Rafique and Bilal Asghar of the PML-N and Hasan Murtaza and Ali Gilani of the allied PPP have become ministers, they are yet to be given portfolios, thus leaving them lobbying for the ministries of their choice. Interestingly, Salman Rafique has started chairing meetings in the health department, anticipating the health portfolio for himself as he remained the health minister in the previous Shehbaz cabinet. The PPP’s Murtaza has made claims to be the senior minister.

Atta Tarar, who is very close to the PM and the CM, acts as the ‘de facto CM,’ according to many within the party. Hamza has already nominated him as the Punjab government spokesperson. Tarar has also shown interest in the home ministry.

As the PML-N plans to have a 25-member cabinet in the first phase, there are more aspirants for the ministries in the current political scenario.

“The party has to accommodate, at some stage, 25 dissidents of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), who have been de-seated for voting for Hamza; therefore, it (PML-N) cannot afford the luxury of having an extended cabinet in the first phase,” a PML-N lawmaker says. Although, the PML-N had promised to give them the party tickets for July 17 by-polls but no official announcement has come from the party so far.

The sources say the matter of ministries has slipped out of the hands of Hamza and Maryam, and landed in ‘the court’ of Nawaz Sharif who will have a final word in the matter after speaking to PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. The PPP has been promised for four ministries and two ‘adviserships’ in Punjab.

After having a ‘portfolio-less’ eight-member cabinet, CM Hamza has been running the provincial government all by himself and his focus is on postings and transfers of civil and police bureaucracy. In his first six weeks in office, Hamza has transferred and posted over 300 bureaucrats to realign bureaucracy according to the PML-N needs.

Punjab government spokesperson Atta Tarar did not respond to Dawn’s queries.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2022
 
Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday decided to jointly contest the forthcoming Punjab by-polls, as the political temperature rises.

The agreement was reached after Hamza arrived at the Bilawal House and held talks with the former president, Express News reported.

The two leaders held elaborate talks on the political situation in the country, matters of mutual interest and a working relationship.

Both sides pledged to face off Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan jointly in the upcoming elections.

Expressing his views, Hamza said the two parties are on the same page in their pledge for the welfare of the masses.

Also read: PTI moves Supreme Court to postpone LG elections

Provincial minister Ata Tarar, Malik Ahmed Ali, Khawaja Salman Rafique and Imran Goraya, while the PPP's side was represented by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Sharjeel Memon, Dr Asim Hussain, Ali Haider Gilani and Syed Hasan Murtaza.

The PPP is said to have earlier expressed reservations over the awarding of portfolios, and the same was addressed during the meeting.

The party was also reportedly expelled from the committee earlier formed for amendments to the local government law.

Nearly two weeks ago, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that by-polls on 20 seats of the Punjab Assembly that fell vacant after the de-notification of 25 PTI MPAs will be held on July 17.
 
During PM Shehbaz Sharif’s day-long visit to Karachi on Saturday, an MQM delegation met him and complained that its agreement made with the PML-N, of which the premier was the president, was not being kept.

The MQM delegation was led by its convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who was accompanied by Federal IT Minister Aminul Haque, Amir Khan, Kanwar Naveed Jamil and Wasim Akhtar. It met the premier at the Faisal Base before his departure for Nawabshah.

It also discussed the appointment of a new Sindh governor with PM Shehbaz as well as development projects in Karachi.

The premier told the delegation that the government was working on the current economic challenges facing Pakistan and the country could not develop without the uplift of Karachi. He also told them that he was focusing on all the issues.

The premier was accompanied by Federal Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique. After the meeting, PM Shehbaz left for Nawabshah to offer condolences to PPP Co-Chairperson and former President Asif Ali Zardari on the demise of his mother.

Express Tribune
 
ISLAMABAD: Cracks in the 11-week-old ruling alliance became all too visible on Monday when, one after the other, nearly all coalition partners made angry outbursts in the National Assembly over the “change of attitude” of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing it of backtracking from the commitments it made ahead of the no-confidence vote against former prime minister Imran Khan.

The most aggressive stance was taken by the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), which was one of the main components of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance and a key partner of the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on the opposition benches during the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) regime.

Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mehmood, who hails from JUI-F, protested the government’s decision to file appeal before the Supreme Court a Federal Shariat Court (FSC) decision in the Riba case.

Complaining that the government had made the decision without consulting his party, the JUI-F leader hinted that his party could even go to the extent of quitting the ruling alliance if the PML-N did not come out with a clarification.

The government and the ministry concerned should make it clear if the banks had gone to court under their directives, he asked, adding: “If they have done it on their own, then who has given them the authority to go into the appeal against such decisions and on what grounds? No government minister can make decisions alone. You cannot file an appeal without consulting us,” declared Mr Mehmood, who is the son of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

He was speaking on a point of order while the assembly was approving demands for grants for various ministries and divisions in connection with the federal budget 2022-23.

“If today any ministry wants to take a solo flight then it should think and decide about its future. We have decided about our future. We will spend our lives in accordance with Islam… and we distance ourselves from such decisions,” he said.

Indirectly threatening to agitate against this move, Mr Mehmood asked the government to withdraw the appeal in the SC and make a categorical announcement in this regard.

Another attack on the government was launched from within the alliance by independent MNA from Gwadar, Aslam Bhootani who lodged a strong protest against Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal for not including development schemes in his constituency in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), despite repeated requests by PPP’s Asif Zardari, and even Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“Then, I requested those [quarters] from where we normally receive telephone calls – if their calls still had any weight – to ask Ahsan Iqbal, and then he reflected my scheme [in the PSDP],” said Mr Bhootani without elaborating about the telephone calls. He then regretted that the allocated amount would also be released in installments.

Interestingly, Mr Bhootani praised the previous PTI government, stating that it had released billions of rupees and got 100 per cent allocated amount, which was cut by Mr Iqbal. He said he was happy in the PTI government, but joined the present coalition for the sake of Mr Zardari, who had arranged the support of 58 members for the present government.

Khalid Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) also expressed similar feelings, saying that it seemed that those who were desperate to obtain their support at the time of the no confidence vote, “did not like our faces now”.

Then, Osama Qadri of the Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) took the floor and alleged that the PML-N and the PPP were not implementing the agreements that had been signed with the party at the time of the formation of the government.

North Waziristan MNA Mohsin Dawar also protested the failure of the authorities to produce Ali Wazir in the assembly, despite the issuance of his production orders.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, however, defended the PML-N and said that the grievances of the allies from Balochistan were genuine and said the government would make every effort to remove the sense of deprivation among the Balochistan people.

Earlier, at the outset, lawmakers condemned the remarks of Canadian parliamentarian Tom Kmiec, who belongs to the Conservative Party, where he had reportedly talked about the regime change in Pakistan and the alleged role of the military in this process.

The lawmakers said the remarks were tantamount to “interference” in Pakistan’s affairs and asked the Canadian government to take notice of the matter.

The issue was raised by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif who alleged that the MP had issued the statement at the behest of some Pakistani expats and the PTI lobbyists, stating that former prime minister Imran Khan was involved in “an anti-state campaign outside the country.”

He also highlighted some human rights violations in Canada, saying that Muslims from 2017 to 2022 were targeted and killed in various incidents related to Islamophobia.

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation Shazia Marri also condemned the statement and said the regime in Pakistan was changed democratically and as per the constitution.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly approved 83 demands for grants of 30 ministries and divisions worth Rs4.57 trillion with a majority vote.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2022
 
Shehbaz, Zardari, Bilawal brainstorm coalition issues
PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal and PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated to take decisions with mutual consultation and to remove the reservations of allied parties of the government

ISLAMABAD: President Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Thursday held a luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They reiterated to take decisions with mutual consultation and to remove the reservations of allied parties of the government.

The prime minister hosted a lunch for Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday, which was attended by the political team of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that included Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafiq and PMLN leader Malik Ahmad Khan. However, from the PPP, only Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto were present in the meeting.

During the meeting, political situation in the country amid the emerging situation in Punjab following the Lahore High Court verdict, matters related to concerns and reservations of coalition partners of the government and consultation on the issue of appointment of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, besides reservations of allied parties such as MQM and JUIF on local bodies elections in Sindh, came under discussion.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/970519-shehbaz-zardari-bilawal-brainstorm-coalition-issues
 
PML-N rifts deepen over Miftah’s future
Party stalwarts come out in support of incumbent finance minister

ISLAMABAD:
Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has found unequivocal support from party stalwarts at a time when he has been facing criticism from within the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) amid speculations of ex-financial czar Ishaq Dar’s return to Pakistan to replace him.

The support for the incumbent finance minister has come from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying that his understanding of economic issues is unmatched, and it is time to stand with him, especially, when he is feeling the heat from within.

The finance minister, who has been facing severe criticism for repeatedly jacking up petroleum prices and over delay in the revival of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, among other things, himself admitted that he has ample support from party stalwarts but there are others who have been criticising and opposing him.

“I have support from the federal cabinet and PML-N but there are few party members criticising and opposing me,” Miftah said while talking to The Express Tribune, adding that he understands that party leaders were unable to go to their constituencies after the government took some tough decisions to fix economic issues.

Expressing his gratitude to party stalwarts, Miftah revealed that he is under immense pressure because of being the face of the ruling alliance’s “unpopular decisions”, adding that he did not even want to hold the last press conference where he had to announce the increase in petroleum prices once again.

“I did not want to go for the last press conference, and I had even refused before being persuaded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” Miftah revealed. “I swear it has never happened that I was unable to find suitable words; I kept thinking what words should I be using to start the press conference.”

Asked if he will be willing to leave the finance portfolio for Dar, Miftah said that it is not about his willingness or unwillingness as it is the prime minister’s discretion to keep him or anyone else as the country’s financial czar.

“I know only one thing that I would comply with whatever decision the prime minister takes within the next 15 minutes of becoming aware of it,” Miftah said, adding that 15-minute time would be enough even if PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Tauqir Shah conveys the decision of his removal.

He, however, emphasised that he will stay with the party and do whatever task he is given even if he is replaced or moved somewhere. “This has to be PM’s decision; it is his discretion,” he reiterated.

The debate about Miftah’s replacement escalated soon after speculations became rife about Dar’s return and him confirming the same to BBC Urdu.

Dar’s return and lobbying within the party circle built pressure on Miftah to the extent that he has since been repeatedly saying that he is ready to hand over the reins of the finance ministry to the senator-elect, who is in London since 2018 and faces a corruption reference wherein he had been declared a proclaimed offender.

Party’s internal rifts over Miftah’s future have not only aggravated but created a situation where stalwarts had to openly come out in his support.

“FM Miftah is among the hardest working members of PM’s team,” the defence minister tweeted, saying that the finance minister was accessible to all stakeholders. “He is performing v. well under difficult circumstances, with immense criticism from vested interests – including, and unfortunately, from within PMLN,” Asif said. “Time to show solidarity with Miftah.”

“Miftah Ismail’s knowledge of economics and the Pakistan economy is without parallel in Pakistan politics today,” declared former premier Abbasi. Calling the finance minister one of the most effective members of the PM’s cabinet, the senior PML-N leader said that he has “played a crucial role in saving Pakistan from default and in implementing PMLN’s economic reform agenda”.

The government’s spokesperson, Marriyum Aurangzeb, was not available for comments.

Express Tribune
 
Federal Minis*ter for Water Reso*urces and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Shah on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for not attending sessions of the parliament. He said that bringing a revolution in the country’s agriculture sector is the “permanent solution of the prevailing economic crisis”.

In a statement, Mr Shah, who has served as the leader of the opposition in the Nati*onal Assembly in the last Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), said: “Like former prime minister Imran Khan, Shehbaz Sharif does not attend sessions of the parliament.”

“We have not given due respect to parliament. The former prime minister also did not attend its sessions. Today our brother prime minister also does not turn up in the parliament,” he added.

The PPP leader said politicians and institutions should ask this question from themselves that why the country is facing multiple problems today. “We have a constitution, but we marred it as we have maltreated our economy. Not only a single, but all previous governments are responsible for the current crippling economy,” he added.

The PPP leader urged all political leaders to shun their differences and sit together to find best possible solutions of the problems confronting the country. “We have to sit together to save the country which is under the burden of heavy debts and unprecedented inflation,” he added.

He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan for holding public meetings. “If Imran Khan believes that holding public meetings will bring any good to the country then he may continue with this,” he added.

Khursheed Shah said development in the agricultural sector was the only remedy of the prevailing crisis. “We were prospering when we were producing nothing but had a strong agriculture base,” he added.

Mr Shah urged the government to increase the support price of basic crops of the country. “Increase support price of cotton to Rs8,000 per 40kg, wheat Rs3,000 and mustard Rs7,000 per 40kg. Framers can happily buy a urea bag at Rs3,000 instead of Rs1,700. Withdraw subsidy of gas being supplied to urea factories and increase tax on cigarettes as by doing so additional Rs200 billion tax can be collected,” he added.

The PPP leader said that an agricultural revolution was the only way to overcome the economic crisis in the country on a permanent basis. “We can get rid of the IMF by improving our agriculture base,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2022
 
The torrential rains have not only ravaged Sindh, especially Karachi, but deepen the rifts among the ruling alliance as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQMP) threatened on Tuesday the federal and provincial governments to take its demands seriously or else it would take its own decision - a tacit hint of splitting away from the alliance.

In less than a month, the MQM-P has threatened the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led Sindh government and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government of dire consequences, saying MQM-P had joined the alliance after signing an agreement but there was nothing on the ground to show that the demands would be fulfilled even three months after coming into power.

On June 27, differences had emerged among the allies over Sindh LG polls and caused distrust in the centre.

The MQM-P and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), among others, had rejected Sindh LG poll results and accused PPP of rigging, saying they would take out to the street and won't let LG polls take place in Karachi and Hyderabad if their reservations were not addressed.

On Tuesday, the deputy convener and former Mayor of Karachi Wasim Akhtar said that the recent rains have resulted in the loss of lives and destroyed shops, private property and businesses as well as the city's infrastructure, saying no one from the government and the administration was seen on the roads when the city was flooded.

The former mayor questioned why no plan was devised before the monsoon rains, especially, when the administration and machinery was under Sindh government.

He chided the administrator Karachi by reminding him that Karachi wasn't just limited to Shahra-e-Faisal as the restive city comprises of many other areas that were deeply affected by torrential rains and no one was there to help people.

Recalling his time as mayor, Akhtar said that not a single underpass was blocked due to the rainwater but the performance of the ruling party was evident during the recent rains as not a single underpass was opened.

Akhtar said that recruiting the non-locals on 'fake domicile' was among the reasons as all of them left Karachi for destruction and went to their hometowns to celebrate Eid, saying the local staff would have been in the town during difficult time.

Express Tribune
 
PPP, PML-N feel ‘dumped’ after defeat
Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar says coalition govt has lost people's support

LAHORE:
Smarting from a rude wake-up call in its own home turf, the ruling coalition on Monday appeared to be taking a page out of its old playbook as it made under-the-breath complaints against the “powers that be” for not protecting its stakes in crucial Punjab by-polls.

Addressing a news conference, PML-N MNA Javed Latif apparently straddled a difficult dual message that the “tough decisions” taken by the PML-N-led government weighed on the polls and the party accepted the results – but the “state” also did not honour PML-N’s “sacrifice”.

“If decisions about the country’s fate are repeatedly taken behind closed rooms, it will not be good for the country's future,” the outspoken PML-N leader warned.

The PML-N leader’s misgivings came a day after the PTI bounced back in high-stakes polls on 20 Punjab Assembly seats, making a grand arrival into the enemy’s territory as it pierced through some of the arch-rival PML-N’s pocket boroughs in the party’s home ground.

Winning the bellwether province with a landslide lead, PTI not only paved the way to wrestle back the heartland’s reins from CM Hamza Shehbaz but also set the course for triggering a domino effect for the shaky federal government.

Although the PML-N quickly expressed willingness to play by the Queensberry rules and accept the defeat with grace, the setback has apparently thrust it into the throes of a tortured process of introspection, self-doubt and recrimination.

‘PML-N betrayed’

Speaking during the conference, Latif went on to drudge up a slew of “discriminatory actions” taken against party supremo Nawaz Sharif whose services for the country, he said, went “unthanked”.

He lamented that the exiled supreme leader “who braved jail terms and fortified country’s defence” was termed a “hijacker” while Imran Khan who fumed against institutions was being granted breathers in cases.

He further alleged that PTI chief Imran even surpassed Nawaz Sharif in his criticism of state institutions and named individuals after his ouster. He requested stakeholders not to make decisions based on their “ego”, adding that if someone decides to “put us in jail today, the nation will not accept it”.

“Imran Khan is saying that judges and generals make decisions behind closed rooms, so did these decisions were not also against Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz?”

“The government lost, Nawaz Sharif's ideology won.”

Latif also emphasised that Nawaz Sharif’s return was crucial to saving the country from crises which, according to him, will further deepen in the wake of the outcome of Sunday’s by-elections in the political heartland.

Nawaz Sharif will also have to tell the ‘whole truth’, he emphasised and warned that opponents would be in a very difficult situation if the PML-N decided to divulge “the complete truth with facts to the people”.

He said the court decisions against Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz were “beyond the law”.

‘Coalition govt lacks mandate’

Meanwhile, PPP Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that he has held the position from the very first day that the general elections should be held immediately instead of governing the ungovernable crisis.

“It became clear from the by-elections that the coalition government has lost the support of the people,” the PPP leader assessed and said that the deal with the IMF should be carried out by a government with a fresh mandate.

He emphasised that “tough decisions” should be taken by a government with a five-year mandate, adding that it was irrational to expect people to reciprocate with “garlands” when inflation is soaring skywards.

Express Tribune
 
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is trying to create a rift within its ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party, by nominating the latter’s candidate for the post of Punjab Assembly deputy speaker without informing its leadership.

A senior PPP leader said while responding to a question – why PPP MPA Ali Haider Gillani did not file his nomination papers for the post, giving the PTI candidate a walkover.

The joint opposition parties’ candidate, Ali Gillani, did not file his nomination papers for the deputy speaker’s elections that were held on Saturday.

According to several news TV channels, Gillani had not filed his nomination papers in protest against the way the election process for the speaker’s election was carried out.

The senior PPP leader, however, denied the media reports, saying that the PML-N was trying to play dirty by bypassing their party leadership and nominating a PPP MPA for the deputy speaker’s elections on their own.

“Neither the provincial hierarchy nor the central party leadership was informed about the decision,” he said, adding that secondly, who gave the PML-N the right to decide which PPP MPA would contest the deputy speaker’s slot. “This was his party’s (PPP) prerogative.”

Gillani told The Express Tribune on Wednesday after a joint coalition partner parliamentary meeting that the PML-N proposed the PPP to pitch its members for the speaker’s elections.

He said his party would either nominate Hasan Murtaza or him for the position.

Interestingly, the position that Gillani claimed was offered to the PPP was retained by the PML-N, as they had nominated their own MPA Saiful Malook Khokhar, a not so popular name in the PML-N, for the position of the Punjab Assembly speaker. Malook’s nomination did ruffle some feathers in the PML-N but given his ties with Jati Umrah, the honour was bestowed upon him.

Surprisingly, it was revealed that the offer even on Wednesday was made just to Gillani, and the party’s parliamentary head was not taken on board regarding the decision.

The source said if the PML-N wanted PPP to nominate their speaker, they should have contacted the party. “Even on Saturday, the provincial leadership came to know about the decision of nominating Ali Gillani for the deputy speaker’s elections through the media.”

He said that since the leadership had not given any approval, Gillani did not file his nomination papers, adding that the PML-N had earlier tried playing with the party in a similar fashion while nominating cabinet ministers from their party.

Gillani was reached multiple times, but he was not available for comments. PPP MPA Usman Mehmood told The Express Tribune that it was out of protest that they did not file the nomination papers.

He said that the speaker’s elections were held in an unfair manner, which they had challenged in the court.

To a question as to why the deputy speaker’s elections were boycotted due to the said “dubiousness” during the process of the speaker’s elections as both had no correlation, he said he was not privy to why exactly these elections were boycotted.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2368800/pml-n-trying-to-create-rift-within-ppp
 
Former president and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday expressed “concern” over the federal government’s decision to increase the price of petroleum products by Rs6.72 for the next fortnight, saying that “consultation on such decisions” was important.

“Pakistan People’s Party is a part of the government and supports it, but there must be consultation when it comes to such decisions,” a statement issued by the party on Twitter quoted him as saying.

Zardari said that PPP and other coalition parties had joined the government to give relief to the people, calling it “our top priority”.

“We are with the prime minister. I will meet him soon and talk to him about the [government’s] economic team,” the PPP chairman added.

Prior to the former president’s statement, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, too, opposed the petrol price hike on social media.

She said that party supremo Nawaz Sharif had strongly opposed the decision to raise the price of petrol. “He even said that he couldn’t burden the people further and that he was not in favour of the decision,” she tweeted, adding that Nawaz also left the meeting.

Meanwhile, in his defense, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, in a series of tweets earlier today, said that the government had not imposed new taxes on petroleum products and the changes had been accorded to purchasing by the Pakistan State Oil (PSO).

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) takes the average Platt prices, adds freight and the premium paid by PSO on top of these prices, and multiplies that by the exchange rate, he said.

Petrol price raised, HSD, kerosene rates cut

On Monday, the government raised the price of petrol and reduced those of high-speed diesel (HSD) and kerosene for the next fortnight.

According to an annou*ncement by the ministry of finance, the rate of petrol and light diesel oil (LDO) was increased by Rs6.72 and 43 paisa per litre, respectively. On the other hand, the prices of high-speed diesel (HSD) and kerosene were cut by 51 paisa and Rs1.67 per litre respectively.

“In the wake of fluctuations in petroleum prices in the international market and exchange rate variation, the government has decided to revise the existing prices of petroleum products to pass on the impact to consumers”, said the ministry of finance.

As such, the ex-depot price of petrol was raised to Rs233.91 from Rs227.19, showing an increase of Rs6.72 per litre, or 3pc.

The price of light diesel oil inched up by an inconsequential 43 paisa per litre to Rs191.75 per litre from Rs191.32 at present.

On the other hand, the ex-depot price of HSD was set at Rs244.44 per litre, down from Rs244.95 per litre at present, with a notional cut of 51 paisa, or 0.2pc. Likewise, the ex-depot rate of kerosene was cut to Rs199.40 per litre from Rs201.07 per litre, down by Rs1.67 per litre, or 0.8pc.

DAWN
 
The Awami National Party (ANP) has threatened to leave the ruling alliance if upcoming by-elections were further postponed, ARY News reported on Saturday.

This was stated by the provincial president of the Awami National Party for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Aimal Wali Khan in a post shared on his official Twitter handle.

“ANP has officially conveyed this message to the federal government that if these by-elections are further postponed then, ANP would withdraw from the election and will be quitting the alliance,” Aimal Wali said.
 
JI chief foresees PM’s dismissal
Says PDM, PTI both dependent on establishment's support

LAHORE:
Jamat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would meet the same fate as the last two premiers chanting: “Mujhe Kyun Nikala?”

“Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) cannot do politics without establishment’s support,” he remarked, adding both the groups are playing dangerous game that has nothing to do with the people.

He was of the opinion that people of Sindh are more affected by the incompetence of the leaders than the floods. “The ruling party has given nothing to Sindhis but deprivations over the last 14 years,” he added.

Commenting of the situation of the flood victims, he alleged: “People are yet to receive the assistance announced by PM.”

Express Tribune
 
Azam Nazeer Tarar tenders resignation as law minister

ISLAMABAD: In a late-night development and hours after the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s meeting on Monday, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar tendered his resignation.

According to some TV channels, Mr Tarar tendered his resignation citing ‘anti-establishment slogans’ raised at the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore on Sunday.

However, his resignation has so far not been accepted.

The law minister was also said to be under immense pressure for casting his vote in favour of some ‘junior judges’, along with Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, who were being elevated to the Supreme Court.

Mr Tarar was chief guest at the Asma Jahangir Conference where some of the participants chanted slogans against the establishment during his speech.

DAWN
 
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Digital Media and Technologies Ahmad Jawad on Friday resigned from his office, ARY News reported.

Ahmad Jawad in his resignation said he cannot remain part of any ‘cheating’ and added that commissions are set up in our country to put the issues on the back burner.

“Preparations have started for the funeral of another truth,” Ahmad Jawad said while referring to a commission formed to investigate the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif.

He appealed to the nation to stand with the truth and urged them to differentiate between truth and lie. “The time has come when youth should listen to the voice of their conscience.”

Ahmed Jawad urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately announce the date of fresh elections.

Earlier this week, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar tendered his resignation for ‘personal reasons’.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar’s resignation came after he was spotted at the Asma Jahangir Conference where audiences chanted slogans against the institutions.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar sent his handwritten resignation to President Dr Arif Alvi. He stated that he could not perform duties as a federal minister for personal reasons.
 
PM SHEHBAZ SUMMONS MEETING OF PARLIAMENTARY PARTY LEADERS

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an important meeting of parliamentary party leaders today (Wednesday) to discuss country’s political situation, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to details, PM Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an important meeting of parliamentary party leaders at PM’s House at 6:30 pm. A dinner will also be held for the ruling coalition leaders.

Sources told ARY News that the Prime Minister will take parliamentary leaders into confidence regarding important decisions.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned the federal cabinet’s special session to discuss one-point agenda.

Sources told ARY News that a special session of the federal cabinet was summoned by PM Shehbaz Sharif to discuss a one-point agenda. It is expected that the matter related to the key appointment of the army chief will be discussed in the upcoming meeting.

Sources said that PM Sharif is expected to approve the appointment of the new army chief after holding consultations with the cabinet members.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR) confirmed that the General Headquarters (GHQ) forwarded the summary for the selection of the new chief of army staff (COAS) and chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC).

The spokesperson of the military’s media wing said in a statement that GHQ has forwarded the summary for the selection of CJCSC and COAS, containing names of 6 senior most lieutenant generals (Lt Gens) to the Ministry of Defence.

On the other hand, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has not yet received the summary for the appointment of the new chief of army staff (COAS).

Khawaja Asif said in a Twitter message that the confirmation regarding the summary to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will be made at its designated time.

ARY
 
PPP ANNOYED OVER ‘BEING IGNORED’ BY PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), an ally of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), is repeatedly unhappy with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for neglecting PPP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ARY News reported on Monday citing sources.

A well-placed source told ARY News that Pakistan Peoples Party has complained to prime minister regarding ignoring his key ally in KP and giving more importance to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) – another ally of the coalition government in the Centre.

Sources further revealed that PPP has expressed reservations over PM Shehbaz’s DI Khan visit on JUI-F’s request and ignoring PPP during his visit to Manglala Dam.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has assured party leaders of raising this matter with the premier.
...
https://arynews.tv/ppp-annoyed-over-being-ignored-by-pm-shehbaz-sharif/
 
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), an ally of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), is repeatedly unhappy with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for neglecting PPP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ARY News reported on Monday citing sources.

A well-placed source told ARY News that Pakistan Peoples Party has complained to prime minister regarding ignoring his key ally in KP and giving more importance to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) – another ally of the coalition government in the Centre.

Sources further revealed that PPP has expressed reservations over PM Shehbaz’s DI Khan visit on JUI-F’s request and ignoring PPP during his visit to Manglala Dam.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has assured party leaders of raising this matter with the premier.
 
The ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday called an emergency meeting as consultations between the senior leadership continued through the night and remained resolute that the National Assembly will not be dissolved and the government will push to complete its term.

The agreement of the ruling alliance comes after Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Thursday night advised Governor Balighur Rehman to dissolve the provincial assembly, fulfilling the promise to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and paving the way for fresh elections.

Shortly after the news broke, sources told The Express Tribune that the PDM leadership at the highest levels was making contacts to consult on the development.

Express Tribune
 
MenInG said:
The ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday called an emergency meeting as consultations between the senior leadership continued through the night and remained resolute that the National Assembly will not be dissolved and the government will push to complete its term.

The agreement of the ruling alliance comes after Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Thursday night advised Governor Balighur Rehman to dissolve the provincial assembly, fulfilling the promise to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and paving the way for fresh elections.

Shortly after the news broke, sources told The Express Tribune that the PDM leadership at the highest levels was making contacts to consult on the development.

Express Tribune
Click to expand...

Pathetic clowns have created of circus of *****. Look at the coward Rana and his chimp Tarrar at the Punjab vote and you can see disgraced faces
 
Bewal Express said:
Pathetic clowns have created of circus of *****. Look at the coward Rana and his chimp Tarrar at the Punjab vote and you can see disgraced faces
Click to expand...

They rely on the company. But the companys powers are failing and significant company 3mployees are rebelling behind the scenes. Therefore the PDM is now confused. IK is playing psychology with them..now they are wondering if the company is betraying them..punjab was supposed to be a done deal. Hence the panic..
 
the Great Khan said:
They rely on the company. But the companys powers are failing and significant company 3mployees are rebelling behind the scenes. Therefore the PDM is now confused. IK is playing psychology with them..now they are wondering if the company is betraying them..punjab was supposed to be a done deal. Hence the panic..
Click to expand...

The losers are lost. I don't think the Hafiz is betraying them, afterall he is their man, wha cost them was their their own overconfidence and Kaptans aggressive speech, and this gave rise to a massive defeat for the mafia.
 
BAP ACCUSES PDM OF BACKSTABBING

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) spokesperson Dinesh Kumar has accused the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) of backstabbing and termed the allied parties ‘ungracious’.

Speaking to ARY News, BAP spokesperson Dinesh Kumar said, “Unfortunately, the PDM we supported is now harming us.” Kumar said a meeting of the central committee has been called and its agenda includes parting ways with the PDM government.

The BAP spokesperson said, they will not make any delay if the central committee decides to part ways with the government.

He recalled that PDM would have not been in the position to form the federal government without the support of four MNAs of the Balochistan Awami Party.

...
https://arynews.tv/bap-accuses-pdm-of-backstabbing/
 
Moulana Asad Mehmood has already started corruption.

NHA jobs that used to come though nts, he sold those jobs for 25 lakh per seat. THey made sure those jobs dont appear on nts website. Nts is basically a testing service.
 
ANP HINTS AT PARTING WAYS WITH PDM GOVT

LAHORE: After reservations from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Awami National Party (ANP), another ally party of the PDM government on Friday has hinted to part ways with the government over ‘reservations’, ARY News reported.

Senior ANP leader Senator Umar Farooq in an exclusive interview with ARY News said they should not have joined the government after the ouster of Imran Khan’s regime.

“The party should come out of the coalition government and the final decision will be taken in a party meeting within a few days.”

The ANP leader further said that the main agenda of the meeting is to consult on parting ways with the government. The ANP lawmaker of the upper house said he has given an application to sit on the opposition benches in Senate.

...
https://arynews.tv/anp-hints-at-parting-ways-with-pdm-govt/
 
PPP hints at quitting govt over unkept promises

• Bilawal says centre yet to provide Rs4.7bn share for flood-hit farmers
• Objects to ‘inconsistent’ census in different provinces
• Transfers Rs8.39bn from Sindh budget to BISP for growers

KARACHI: Pakistan Peo*ples Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said it will be too difficult for his party to remain part of the federal government if the centre does not fulfil its promises of giving relief to flood victims of Sindh.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari also objected to the manner the digital census exercise was being conducted, saying it was unacceptable that elections in one province take place based on a different census, and other provincial polls are held based on a ‘flawed’ digital census.

These reservations were expressed by the PPP chairman in his address after inaugurating ‘Subsidy Progra*mme: Reimbursement for Wheat Seed’ here on Sunday.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1740667/ppp-hints-at-quitting-govt-over-unkept-promises
 
Explaining that Sindh had reservations over the digital census that is currently underway across the country, former president Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that his party has its own stance and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has its own.

Speaking to reporters at the residence of local PPP leader Shehryar Khak*wani a day after his son warned that the PPP may not remain part of the federal cabinet if their concerns were not addressed, Mr Zardari said his party was “part of the government” but not a member of the PDM alliance, adding that they would consider the question of alliances with other political parties when the elections are held.

Calling politics “the art of the possible”, he said that while negotiations could be held with politicians and political parties, Imran Khan was not a politician.

Mr Zardari said that in his recent meeting with Prime Minister She*hbaz Sharif and Mau*lana Faz*lur Rehman, no discussion was held about elections.

DAWN
 
KingKhanWC said:
The issue with crooks is always crooks will want to loot each other too.

Nobody can guess how long, it could be weeks, months or until general elections. If its GE, PTI will sweep the elections. It will be impossible to rig against them when its clear they have the masses support.
Click to expand...

Surprisingly good call , I thought the joke would last a qtr.
 
I have realized one thing one can never predict future with certainty at all just make educated guesses which still depends upon millions of variables and possibilities.
 
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) steams ahead with its preparations for elections in Punjab while its main ally in the federal government, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), still wavers in ambiguity despite the announcement of the election schedule.

Rana Farooq, the president of PPP’s central Punjab wing, has instructed all interested candidates from the province to submit their nomination papers from March 12 to 14.

He said that after consulting the lawyers, they should submit their nomination papers along with alternative candidates. He also said that the candidates should speed up the public relations campaign in their respective constituencies and contest the polls with all their zeal and zest to make the party proud.

On the other hand, PML-N, despite the unambiguous Supreme Court (SC) orders to conduct elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), is still busy in advocating the advantages of holding elections in the entire country at the same time.

PPP has an extremely slim presence in the province, while PML-N remains the biggest political party in Punjab after its main rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Former parliamentarians of the party from Punjab that The Express Tribune spoke to were clueless about the party’s policy on elections other than the stated media position, which was largely about opposing the decision of holding elections in Punjab and K-P.

The excuses that were given by the party range from security concerns to financial concerns to inclement weather to the holy month of Ramazan to the need for a fresh digital census and ultimately to the need for holding elections in the entire country at the same time.
 
PPP’s threat to quit govt works
Sindh allowed access to census dashboard

The Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) threat to quit federal ministries has worked as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government allowed the provincial governments on Tuesday to access the census monitoring dashboards in an attempt to somewhat alleviate doubts raised by the top PPP leadership on the digital census just a few days ago.

The decision to give access to the provincial governments, especially Sindh, has mainly been taken to persuade the key ally to continue standing by the federal government and shun any second thoughts at a time when the country is going through a political upheaval amid severe financial crises just ahead of the general elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

“It has been decided that the statistics as required by the provincial governments, especially Sindh … may be included in the monitoring dashboard,” Chief Statistician of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Dr Naeemuz Zafar stated in a letter addressed to the chairman National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The chief census commissioner added that the dashboard has already been deployed for chief secretaries, saying the role-based access of the same may be provided to all provincial/regional chief secretaries, commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs) and assistant commissioners (ACs).

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2406188/ppps-threat-to-quit-govt-works
 
Kriketer said:
2 - 3 month maximum. This time nation isn't going to let these chuur loot mafia take control of the country. Enough of these corrupt stooges of the same family looting Pakistan to core. They will soon be running away to foreign lands or better will be getting dragged in the streets by the awaam which all these crooks rightfully deserve.
Click to expand...

haan bhai? 2-3 months hogay?

lol pdm got soo powerful that it can now even delay the election
 
The coalition government on Monday said the PTI was “not a political party but a clique of militants trained by banned outfits”, and resolved to take action under the law.

The decision was taken in a six-hour-long meeting of the political parties in the ruling coalition at the Prime Minister’s House, according to a press release.

“The meeting declared that the entire nation has seen that PTI is not a political party but a clique of militants trained by banned outfits for which there is evidence and proof so it was decided to take action in this regard according to the law,” the press release reads.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1743246/r...i-clique-of-militants-resolves-to-take-action
 
PM goes into legal confab after AGP ‘calls it quits’

After Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Barrister Shehzad Ata Elahi quit the top law office on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif went into a huddle with legal experts to discuss their strategy on the delayed elections in Punjab, when the matter is taken up by the PTI before the Supreme Court.

Though there was no official information of his resignation, a source privy to the development confirmed that Mr Elahi, the 37th AGP, had left the coveted post.

The meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Sharif at Model Town, discussed the looming legal battle, but while federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and PM’s special assistants Attaullah Tarar and Malik Ahmad Khan took part in the deliberations, Mr Elahi was conspicuous by his absence.

Despite repeated attempts, Barrister Elahi could not be contacted to confirm or deny reports regarding his resignation.

Sources claimed that the reason behind his sudden resignation was that the government did not have a “comfortable correlation” with the AGP and considered him someone who had been enforced upon them.

According to sources, the March 22 notification of ECP postponing the Punjab Assembly polls made the highest office the most uncomfortable seat since Mr Elahi as AGP had to defend executive’s decisions before the judiciary.

“The PM’s huddle fully supported the ECP’s decision and resolved to hold the general elections of all assemblies simultaneously,” a PML-N source told Dawn.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1744052/pm-goes-into-legal-confab-after-agp-calls-it-quits
 
Leaders of the coalition parties met on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited allied parties in the federal government to discuss the ongoing situation in light of a deepening judicial crisis in the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is presiding over the meeting, which was also reportedly joined by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif via video link.

According to sources, co-chairman Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and former president Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, PML-N chief organizer Maryam Nawaz and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also participated in the meeting.

PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister of Law Senator Azam Nazir Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Malik Ahmed Khan and Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan also participated in the meeting to assist the premier.

The prime minister called the huddle of allies at a time when the top court’s bench was being disbanded and reconstituted on a regular basis in connection with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition against the postponement of elections in Punjab.

Ahead of the meeting, a key PML-N minister said that the government would deliberate on the current political situation, the upcoming elections in line with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision and the Supreme Court (SC) proceedings, as well as the role of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justsice Umar Ata Bandial and the top court, saying the meeting had been called as the government believed in moving ahead with its allies’ consent.

The coalition government has been accusing the judiciary of alleged “bench-fixing” in crucial cases, continuously giving “discriminatory” judgments and handing out one interpretation of the constitution to PTI chief Imran Khan, and another to the ruling alliance.

The PML-N-led federal government had been demanding the formation of a full court to decide the matter while some key leaders of the ruling party had openly criticised some senior judges, including the CJP, for their alleged impartiality.

Express Tribune
 
PML-N lawmakers engage in scuffle, use abusive language in NA
Sources say altercation between Murtaza Javed Abbasi and Javed Latif began when the latter was not allowed to speak

A scuffle broke out between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmakers Murtaza Javed Abbasi and Javed Latif during a National Assembly session on Wednesday, with both sides using abusive language, Express News reported.

The situation was diffused with the intervention of Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rehman Kanjo, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and others, who separated two party leaders.

Sources suggested that the altercation began when Latif was not allowed to speak in the house.

In addition, PML-N member Saira Bano walked out of the session due to the denial of the opportunity to speak. "We are not allowed to speak here, and everyone is speaking by themselves, and we are not given a chance," Bano lamented.

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413792/pml-n-lawmakers-engage-in-scuffle-use-abusive-language-in-na
 
Govt to address MQM-P's census concerns after 'resignation threat'
Mustafa Kamal says MQM-P still part of federal government and will stand with coalition partners in difficult times

As Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) amplified its reservations over the ongoing census with reports of its lawmakers resigning coming to the fore, the federal government Wednesday agreed to address the party's concerns.

In a meeting held between the party and government's delegation, all aspects of the census were reviewed during which MQM-P's delegation also presented findings of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) to the ministers, the party's spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the government’s delegation acknowledged MQM-P’s concerns following the review while agreeing to resolve the issues and stop the irregularities identified in the ongoing census.

The MQM-P delegation — headed by the party’s Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui — that held a meeting with the ministers in Islamabad included Syed Mustafa Kamal, Farooq Sattar, Syed Amin Ul Haque and Javed Haneef.

The government’s delegation comprised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and Chief Commissioner for census Dr Naeem Uz Zafar.

The News reported that cracks have appeared in the ranks of MQM-P leaders over the issue of staying or leaving the coalition government amid reservations on the digital census.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1...m-ps-census-concerns-after-resignation-threat
 
Ruling party scrambles to appease allies

As differences among the ruling coalition over the budget for FY24 and other issues have started coming to the fore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to convene a meeting of his allies in a bid to appease them, sources told Dawn.

The government has been facing criticism from almost all coalition partners on the budget during the budget debate that is currently in progress in the National Assembly.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is also chairman of the PML-N ally Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), indicated at a public meeting in Swat on Saturday that his party may not vote for the budget unless its concerns about the budget were addressed.

The PPP leader said the prime minister had promised to keep funds for rehabilitation of flood-hit people in the budget, but some members of his team “were not fulfilling those promises”.

In the previous week alone, the PML-N has faced criticism from the treasury benches in the NA. North Waziristan MNA Mohsin Dawar recently refused to speak on the budget in protest over the arrest and torture of a political worker, while PPP MNA from Sukkur Nauman Islam Shaikh criticised Finance Minister Ishaq Dar over his ‘failure’ in improving the economy, even saying that his predecessor, Miftah Ismail, was preferable to the incumbent.

‘Air grievances in cabinet, not in public’

A day after the PPP leader’s speech, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed that coalition partners should discuss government decisions in the cabinet instead of criticising them in political rallies.

In an apparent response to Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s remarks, Mr Iqbal asserted on Sunday that the prime minister always resolved concerns raised by coalition partners.

“We should all refrain from talking in rallies and instead discuss [issues] in official meetings of the cabinet so that political uncertainty — which was [PTI Chairman] Imran Khan’s forte — is avoided,” he said during a ceremony in Narowal.

“When Imran’s front is closed, we should refrain from opening another front between us … It is our responsibility to act as a team and take Pakistan out of this crisis,” Mr Iqbal said.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1760489/ruling-party-scrambles-to-appease-allies
 
Govt attempts to win over PPP seem to ‘bear fruit’

• Meeting at PM House sees agreements on some points; both sides to meet again today • Bilawal strikes a more optimistic tone; Dar says partner has ‘nothing to worry about’

ISLAMABAD: As fissures between the ruling party and its coalition partners over the federal budget continued to dominate discussion in the National Assembly, an attempt by the PML-N and PPP to sort out their ‘differences’ made some headway but remained inconclusive on Monday, with both sides likely to sit together again today (Tuesday).

Sources in both parties told Dawn that the meeting was held at PM House, but Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not take part.

The PML-N side was represented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Economic Affairs Minister Ayaz Sadiq, while the PPP delegation consisted of Syed Khursheed Shah, Naveed Qamar and Sherry Rehman.

Sources said the PPP delegation laid some of its reservations before the PML-N members and demanded that adequate funds be provided for flood victims of Sindh.

They said the PM had visited flood areas and promised to allocate required funds for the flood affected people of the province. However, no funds were earmarked in this regard in the budget 2023-24, they added.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1760732/govt-attempts-to-win-over-ppp-seem-to-bear-fruit
 
ISLAMABAD: The major coalition partners in the previous government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) started a blame game over the failures, ARY News reported on Sunday.

Sources told ARY News that several PPP leaders were irked by the PML-N leaders’ statements against them and apprised the top leaders about their reservations.

Sources said that the PPP top leaders are facing pressure to respond to the verbal attacks of the PML-N leaders. However, the PPP leaders were not given go-ahead by the top leadership to respond to the PML-N allegations.

The PPP leaders have decided to discuss the matter in the upcoming session of the party’s central executive committee (CEC).

Related: PML-N ‘opposes’ PPP’s requisition for Senate session

Sources revealed that the PPP leaders would urge the top leaders to seek an explanation from the PML-N leadership over the harsh statements.

A PPP leader said that they could not neglect the negative statements from the PML-N leaders. The PPP leader expressed suspicions that the PML-N leaders are not giving such statements in a personal capacity but on the basis of their party policy to shift the burden of failures on the PPP.

The PPP leader added that the political party was part of the ruling coalition just like other political parties but PML-N leaders are continuously targeting the People’s Party. The politician added that it is sorrowful to see PML-N top leaders not taking notice of the smear campaign against the PPP.

Yesterday, former president and Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed his confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying fresh delimitation has become mandatory after the new census was notified.

In a statement issued by the PPP on its social media, the co-chairman expressed full confidence in Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Rana and all ECP members hoping that the commission will hold elections according to the Constitution.

Zardari’s remarks came after a number of PPP leaders, including its chairman Bilawal Bhutto, demanded the ECP announce the election date, adding polls should be held in 90 days according to the Constitution.

Asif Ali Zardari also urged the caretaker government to complete the initiatives taken under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

“The country is currently going through an economic crisis. We all should worry about the economy first instead of politics,” the former president added.

The shift in PPP’s stance came a day after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto urgedthe ECP to announce the date for general polls and adhere to the constitutional requirement of holding elections within 90 days.
 
PPP, JUI-F in bitter spat over poll timing
JUI-F takes a swipe at PPP for using 'timely elections narrative' to dodge participation

In an escalating feud, the once-close allies Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Wednesday found themselves embroiled in a bitter dispute and traded verbal blows as they took the rhetoric over the election’s scheduling a few notches up.

The JUI-F, igniting the fray, accused the PPP of "running away from elections” on the pretext of its narrative on timely elections. Reacting acerbically, the PPP called into question Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s “anxiety” over the prospects of elections.

Faisal Karim Kundi, secretary information of the PPP, promptly responded to the attack by questioning Maulana’s hesitations towards electoral demands. He said that his party made its own political decisions “unlike those who yield to somebody else’s instructions to start or end sit-ins”.

Taking a swipe at JUI-F for approving the notorious LFO (Legal Framework Order), Kundi stated, "PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto endorses a level playing field, while those who benefit from the LFO are afraid of such fairness."

He further expressed confidence that, with the support of the people, Bilawal Bhutto would be elected as prime minister.

The war of words came just days after Bilawal Bhutto condemned the JUI-F for supporting a potential delay in elections.

The PPP chairman had criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for allegedly favouring the postponement of the general elections by more than three months. However, his disapproval was not solely reserved for the PML-N; he also took issue with Maulana Fazlur Rehman's questioning of holding elections in winter.

During a speech in Karachi, Bilawal had voiced his concern, saying, "One [PML-N] says that fresh delimitation is crucial for the next elections, and the other [JUI-F] questions the possibility of polls in January and February due to harsh winter. The people of Pakistan now should know and identify all those who are running away from elections."‘Ruckus to avoid participation in polls’In its response on Wednesday, the JUI-F spokesperson asked the PPP to reveal its true agenda and stop attacking its coalition partners. He questioned the hurry in Bilawal's actions.

“Why this haste? May Allah bless Bilawal with long life; eventually, he will become the prime minister,” he stated.

The spokesperson claimed that the PPP won a seat in Larkana during the 2018 elections as a result of a “level playing field”.



tribune.com.pk

PPP, JUI-F in bitter spat over poll timing | The Express Tribune

JUI-F takes a swipe at PPP for using 'timely elections narrative' to dodge participation
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
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