PPP, PML-N Begin Talks to Resolve Punjab Issues

ISLAMABAD – October 16: Signs of progress have begun to emerge following a recent meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) prepare to open dialogue on politica ilssues in Punjab.

Sources confirm that leadership from both parties is expected to meet later today to address ongoing concerns, particularly the PPP’s complaints about being sidelined in Punjab and delays in the implementation of a previously agreed power-sharing framework. The location and time of the meeting are to be finalized by this morning.

Insiders say the PPP will formally raise its reservations regarding its limited political role in the province and seek assurances on improved cooperation going forward. The discussion is also expected to explore strategies for better coordination between the coalition partners and ways to resolve existing friction.

Read More:PPP and PML-N coordination committees to meet at governor house today

The decision to hold these talks stems directly from the recent high-level meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz held a comprehensive discussion earlier this week. During that meeting, PM Shehbaz reportedly assured the president that efforts would be made to address the PPP’s concerns, especially related to the governance structure in Punjab.

The leaders also reviewed the broader political and regional landscape. PM Shehbaz provided an update on his recent diplomatic engagements in Egypt and Malaysia, where he advocated for peace in Gaza. The discussion also included a review of national priorities and policy direction, with both sides agreeing to maintain ongoing consultation on key national matters.

Accompanying the prime minister were Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, and federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, along with Adviser Rana Sanaullah. President Zardari was joined by senior PPP figures including Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Sherry Rehman, and Nayyar Hussain Bukhari.

The outcome of today’s expected meeting may set the tone for future collaboration between the two coalition partners, particularly in Punjab, where political cooperation remains essential for stability.

Read More:Maryam Nawaz Faces Criticism from PPP Leadership

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has raised concerns over Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s behavior with the PML-N leadership. Party sources said the PPP expressed its reservations through backchannel communication. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership responded by assuring the PPP that its concerns would be addressed. They also promised to take the matter to the party’s top decision-makers. This development signals growing tension between the two political allies.

According to insiders, the PPP believes the Punjab CM’s attitude has created discomfort among coalition partners. Although details remain unclear, sources confirm that PPP leaders see Maryam Nawaz’s public stance as aggressive. In return, the PML-N leadership attempted to ease the situation with verbal assurances. However, it remains to be seen how this affects future cooperation. Both parties are key players in the current political setup.