LAHORE: In a bid to reduce bitterness between the PPP and PML-N - key ruling coalition partners-former urged the latter to ensure implementation on the power-sharing formula agreed between the two sides in February, 2024, revealed well-placed sources on Monday.

The development came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP leaders, including Syed Khursheed Shah, Shazia Marri and Aijaz Jakhrani at National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq's residence in Lahore.

The purpose of the visit was to congratulate Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, who belongs to PPP, on his son's wedding. During their interaction with PM Shehbaz, PPP leaders Shah and Jakhrani stressed the need for implementation on the power-sharing formula while Marri raised the issues of Sindh's water share and the federal government's plan to construct six canals on the Indus River, insiders told.

Last month, the PPP chairman came down hard on the PML-N-led government, saying it was making "unilateral decisions" as if it has two-thirds majority. "The government is making decisions as if it has a two-thirds majority...policies may prove prudent if they consult with allies," he had said.

Earlier, PPP spokesperson Marri had claimed that the PML-N-led government in Centre would collapse the day PPP pulls its support. She slammed the federal government for not consulting the PPP on key decisions, including the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority.

According to the inside story of the February 2 meeting, PPP and PML-N’s leadership discussed ways to mend ties in details. “Bringing the PPP on board is our top priority,” the sources quoted the prime minister as saying.

He said that that they would resolve the minor political issues through dialogue.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 04 2025

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.