- Naveed Qamar says CM Maryam’s water rights claim ‘deeply hurt’ PPP, highlighting FAO warning on Rabi crops
- Shazia Marri slams PML-N for refusing apology, warns CEC may review alliance, decide to approach PM Shehbaz after his return from UK
- Law Minister Tarar terms differences ‘family matters,’ offering apology and assuring alliance remains intact
ISLAMABAD: The “row and war of words” between the two ruling coalition partners continues to simmer as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Tuesday in protest against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s remarks that the party described as “controversial and regrettable.”
The fresh comes amid the growing tensions between the PPP and its principal ally, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), raising concerns over the stability of the coalition government.
The walkout came shortly after senior PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar addressed the House, voicing strong disapproval of the Punjab CM’s speech. “We were deeply hurt by her remarks yesterday. Given the current circumstances, it has become difficult to work with the government,” he said. Accusing the Punjab government of dismissing the PPP’s role, Qamar added: “We have no obligation to sit with you. If you give us respect, we will stay.”
Citing Maryam Nawaz’s recent comments on water rights, he said: “CM Maryam claims ‘we will build canals because it is our water.’ The reality is, this water belongs to everyone. Without the Indus, there is nothing.” As Qamar spoke, members of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) invited PPP lawmakers to join their benches. With a pointed remark, he responded: “That time is not far; soon it will come.”
Qamar then declared, “Until conditions improve, we will not remain part of this House,” before leading the PPP lawmakers out. Following the walkout, Speaker of the National Assembly adjourned proceedings until 11 a.m. Friday.
Outside Parliament, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri told reporters that the protest was a direct result of the PML-N’s refusal to withdraw or apologize for Maryam Nawaz’s remarks. “The PML-N must review its rhetoric toward allies,” she said, warning that the PPP Central Executive Committee would decide on the alliance’s future if matters were not addressed. Marri accused the Punjab government of ignoring public grievances, alleging: “Wherever the PML-N governs, conditions are deteriorating. In Punjab, people are being deprived while motorways are built only up to their own homes.”
She also rejected suggestions that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had made unreasonable demands, saying: “If our rightful concerns raise their blood pressure, it only shows who is insecure.”
PPP Plans to Take Matter to PM Shehbaz
According to party sources, PPP leaders plan to convey their grievances directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his return from the UK. They will urge him to rein in Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N leaders or risk straining the coalition further. The PPP will also clarify that Sindh’s request for flood aid was directed at the federal government, not Punjab, as alleged in Maryam’s statements.
Tarar Plays Down Rift
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar sought to downplay the tensions, calling the matter an “internal family issue.” Speaking on the assembly floor, he said: “If anyone has been hurt by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz’s speech, “we apologize.” Politics comes with ups and downs, but our alliance is based on sincerity.” He insisted that the PML-N-PPP partnership had strengthened Pakistan internationally, citing diplomatic achievements “from Saudi Arabia to the United Nations.”
Floods and Food Security Concerns Raised
Earlier, Naveed Qamar in his speech at the National Assembly highlighted the ongoing flood crisis, warning that villages and farmland in Sindh remained submerged while referring to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report on risk to Rabi crops. Stressing the urgency of rehabilitation, he said: “Speeches alone will not solve the crisis. We must show compassion for those whose responsibility lies on our shoulders.”
Qamar recalled Bilawal Bhutto’s visits to flood-hit areas, noting that he had even appreciated Punjab’s response. However, he pointed out that Sindh faces flooding almost every year and requires long-term solutions. Recalling Sindh’s World Bank-supported housing project after earlier floods, he urged federal and provincial institutions to replicate such efforts.
“As coalition partners, we can advise, but criticism should not be taken negatively,” he added, expressing regret that constructive feedback had been turned into controversy.
