Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has called on the PPP and PML-N to resolve their ongoing tensions. Speaking in a TV interview, he said both parties should sit together and find a way forward. He stressed that the coalition must stay united to tackle national challenges. The dispute stems from rising tensions between the Sindh and Punjab governments. Recent remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz have sparked anger in the PPP camp.
The conflict has led to sharp exchanges between the two parties. Issues include flood compensation and the Cholistan canal project. PPP leaders have accused Punjab of ignoring Sindh’s water rights. In response, PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman warned of trouble in the Senate without her party’s support. These tensions threaten to weaken the federal coalition, which both parties lead together.
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To ease tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have stepped in. Zardari also asked Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to play a role in reconciliation. Sources say Naqvi might request help from powerful institutions to calm the situation. Rana Sanaullah confirmed that no outside interference would occur. Instead, he said any support offered would aim to help politicians resolve their issues.
Rana also addressed recent rumours about the army chief’s political ambitions. He said the idea of Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming president was baseless. The army chief has no political agenda and plans to retire without seeking office. Sanaullah added that such rumours are being spread by those who want to destabilize the government. He emphasized that these claims have been officially denied multiple times.
Read more: Sherry warns PML-N of trouble in Senate without PPP’s support
Speculation earlier suggested a shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system. Some reports claimed President Zardari might resign in exchange for a role for his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. These rumours circulated widely on social media. However, Mohsin Naqvi and military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry dismissed them as false. Both called the reports nonsense and reaffirmed support for the current political system.