The Popular Party of Pakistan organized strikes from both the Senate and the National Assembly, demanding an apology for the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League for what it described as “derogatory comments” against its main figures.
During Monday’s Senate session, PPP senator, Sherry Rehman, said the country faced devastating floods, affecting millions in Sindh and Punjab.
“Instead of strengthening people at this difficult time, we are weakening them through political rhetoric,” he said. “The Word of Words between the Punjab and Sindh governments is harming the Federal Coalition.”
Rehman criticized what he called the “use of Punjab card”, saying that the red line was being crossed. “Making inappropriate comments about Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto is unacceptable,” he added.
“Even Punjab has PPP representation. Bilawal simply suggested using Benazir’s income support program to help flood victims. Government alliances cannot survive on the basis of humiliation. An apology does not decrease anyone’s dignity.”
He added that the PPP had always advocated climatic justice, noting that southern Punjab had been devastated by floods and destroyed crops. “I am shame even to repeat the words that were used,” he said. “If an apology is not offered to our leadership, we should not give ourselves for granted.”
After their comments, PPP senators broke copies of the agenda and left the session.
The law minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, expressed his regret for the situation, saying: “If someone’s words have caused pain, I feel sorry as a political worker. President Zardari is a main statesman and will play a conciliatory role. The opposition should not rejoice; we will try to recover our friends.”
The president of the interim Senate ordered senators Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Affanullah Khan and Anusha Rahman to persuade the members of the PPP to return to the camera.
Strike in the National Assembly
In the National Assembly, the session chaired by President Ayaz Sadiq also saw the PPP organizing a strike.
The leader of the PPP, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, sought to speak at a point of order, but the speaker initially resisted, citing predicted rules that prohibit such interventions during the time of the question. However, after the insistence of treasure and opposition banks, Ashraf was allowed to speak.
“We are not here to weaken Pakistan,” Ashraf said. “We are the ones who sing the slogan of ‘Long Live Pakistan’. We do not believe in the provincial bias. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari did not speak against the Punjab government, the irresponsible statements come from the ruling party.”
The PPP then boycott the procedures and left, also pointed out a lack of quorum. When the house met again, the vice president ordered a staff, but with the still incomplete quorum, the session was postponed until Thursday at 11 am
ZARDARI summons the Interior Minister
President Asif Ali Zardari summoned the Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, Karachi for urgent consultations amid increasing tensions between the governments of Sindh and Punjab on the flood relief operations. The president telephoned Naqvi and discussed the growing crack between the two provincial administrations.
The dispute arose after disagreements about the mechanism to distribute assistance to families affected by floods. The Sindh government, led by the PPP, has insisted that the aid funds be disbursed through the Benazir Income Support Program. However, the Punjab government, led by the PML-N, has rejected this proposal, preferring to manage relief independently.
Since then, both parties have exchanged acute statements, with ministers of Sindh and Punjab with consecutive press conferences to defend their positions. The president’s intervention is considered as an attempt to relieve tensions within the ruling coalition and guarantee coordinated efforts for flood rehabilitation in all provinces.
Read more: Punjab – Sindh The War of Words deepens like Sharjeel, Azma Trade Fresh Barbs
One day ago, Senior Minister of Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon and Punjab Minister of Information, Bokhari Azma, exchanged a new round of accusations, further intensifying the war of words in progress between the two parties.
Memon accused Punjab government to carry out a campaign against the PPP. He said that while the Punjab government addresses PPP for criticism, the real objective is the federal government.
“Whatever happened in recent days, Punjab is indirectly attacking the PPP, but the real objective is the federal government. They have internal problems with the prime minister or the center, so they are using the PPP as a cover to solve those problems. In this way, they are trying to create an environment to discourage our support to the federal government,” Sharjeel said at a press conference in Karachi on Sunday.
He said: “We are not part of the government, but we support it in a problem -based approach. We will not allow Punjab conspiracy against the federal government to succeed.”
Sharjeel accused Punjab of being jealous of successful federal initiatives. “When the prime minister visits Sindh or Baluchistan, the provincial main ministers welcome him, while in Punjab, they are not provided a welcome or a protocol,” said the main minister.
In response, Bokhari accused the PPP of undermining the Federal Government while trying to politicize flood relief efforts.
“Even while working as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal Bhutto, along with his party, aspired to the roots of the federal government and the prime minister,” he said. “Those whose home itself suffers from internal discord are now making frivolous comments about ours to cover their own mistakes and deficiencies.”
He added: “Do not hide behind any power. Your narration of dirty politics about the victims of Punjab’s flood has failed. Now you are bringing a narrative against the prime minister.”
