Shehbaz Sharif Steps In to Resolve Political Rift Between Punjab and Sindh

Islamabad — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting of senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders to discuss and address the growing political tension between Sindh and Punjab.

According to official sources, the meeting will focus on the recent political disagreements between the two provinces, particularly surrounding flood relief distribution mechanisms.

The Prime Minister will also be briefed on the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) walkout during the National Assembly session, which reflected growing dissatisfaction between coalition partners.

PML-N senior members are expected to inform the Prime Minister about the PPP’s reservations and recommend strategies to ease tensions and maintain coalition harmony.

A day earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met President Asif Ali Zardari, where both discussed the ongoing strain between the provincial governments. President Zardari reportedly urged the Interior Minister to play an active role in reducing the friction.

The conflict originated after disagreements on how to disburse aid to flood victims. The Sindh government, led by the PPP, has demanded that assistance be routed through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). However, the Punjab government, led by PML-N, has opposed using BISP for distribution.

Both sides have since held multiple press conferences, exchanging criticisms while insisting that their respective approaches are in the best interest of flood-affected citizens.