PM Shehbaz, Sindh CM Agree to Continue Political Consultation Amid Coalition Tensions
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held a meeting in Islamabad on Monday and agreed to maintain political tolerance and consultation between their parties.
The meeting comes as relations between the ruling PML-N and PPP, which are coalition partners at the federal level, have faced some recent disagreements.
According to a statement shared by the PML-N, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, political issues, Sindh-related affairs and ongoing development projects.
Several federal ministers and senior officials also attended the meeting, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
PPP Raises Concerns Over AJK Elections
The meeting took place amid concerns raised by the PPP over the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
The PML-N emerged as the leading party in the polls, while the PPP has raised objections regarding the election process and alleged irregularities.
The PPP has also recently increased its engagement with opposition parties. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that stronger cooperation with the PML-N would require progress on the party’s concerns regarding the AJK elections.
Coalition Partners Face Recent Disagreements
Differences between the two coalition partners have also been visible in the National Assembly.
On August 18, the PPP’s position contributed to the government’s decision to delay a large legislative agenda that included 21 bills.
The PPP also raised concerns over the presentation of legislation related to the military and nuclear command structure on August 20. Although the party eventually supported the bills, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for greater consultation with coalition partners.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also recently criticised the PPP, adding to the political tensions between the two parties.
Despite these differences, Monday’s meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah indicates that both sides remain focused on dialogue and political consultation within the coalition framework.
