ISLAMABAD: The ongoing tension between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) further escalated on Wednesday when Senator Sherry Rehman warned the coalition partner that it could face serious challenges in the Senate without the PPP’s “clear support.”
For several days, leaders of the PPP and the PML-N in Punjab have been engaged in a war of words over issues such as compensation for flood victims, water rights, and the Cholistani canal project.
The PPP, which governs Sindh, has been particularly angered by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks.
Speaking on Dawn News TV’s programme “Doosra Rukh”, PPP’s Senior Vice President Sherry Rehman said: “If you want to break the entire coalition, let me remind you — as I said in the National Assembly — don’t assume that we will continue to sit on the government benches, or that we will keep you stable under all circumstances.”
She added: “If you don’t need us, that’s your choice. But remember, we are the largest party in the Senate, and without the PPP’s clear support, things will become very difficult for you.”
Rehman said that while forgiveness and reconciliation were important, “when you unjustly attack our top leadership, our chairman, and his sister, do you not think that hurts my sentiments and those of our supporters?”
She questioned: “What kind of alliance is this? Where do you want to take it? What are your objectives? These questions will be raised.”
The PPP leader clarified that the matter was not between Sindh and Punjab but between the federation and the people, adding that around 6.5 million people had been affected by recent floods.
She criticised that the PPP’s proposal to provide aid to flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was wrongly turned into a Sindh–Punjab dispute.
“How did this become a Sindh–Punjab issue? Are the rest of the people not Pakistanis? We are a federal party with voters in Punjab as well, so what exactly do you mean?” she asked.
Rehman also rejected criticism of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s performance as foreign minister, saying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself had praised Bilawal’s work.
“The question is — who exactly are you weakening?” she asked.
She also referred to Bilawal’s recent appointment as head of the delegation representing Pakistan’s stance globally after a dispute with India in May.
When asked whether the PPP planned to move to opposition benches, Rehman said that such a decision would be made by the party’s Central Executive Committee. “It’s not a small decision, and the party does not wish to destabilise the government,” she said.
Responding to another question, she added: “Our coalition partner should not expect us to manage their house or promote their business interests.”
‘You will need Bilawal and Zardari again’
Meanwhile, PPP Senator Palwasha Khan, talking to the media, warned Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz that her party “will once again need Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari.”
“Remember, you will need Bilawal BhuttoZardari again, you will need Asif Zardari again — and that time is not far,” she said.
“People’s hearts cannot be won through posters, banners, or TikTok promotions,” she added. “They are won through performance.”
Khan said that as a coalition partner, the PPP would continue to give suggestions for better governance and raise questions where needed.
“Punjab belongs to all of Pakistan, and it has not been conquered — so do not try to act like a martial law dictator there,” she added.
Maryam Nawaz responds
Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz responded to the PPP’s criticism, saying she would continue to speak about Punjab because she was its elected leader.
“If Maryam Nawaz Sharif doesn’t speak about Punjab, then who will?” she asked.
She said she wanted other provinces to be as clean and developed as Punjab — a remark seen as a veiled criticism of Sindh’s PPP-led government.
“Development and prosperity are the right of every citizen, and no one should have to beg for it,” she added.
Meanwhile, PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser clarified that his remarks about a no-confidence motion were made in the context of PPP’s seriousness.
“The PPP walked out of the National Assembly to express its reservations — now it remains to be seen whether they actually bring a no-confidence motion or if this is just friendly fire,” he said.
“If a no-confidence motion is moved, PTI will support it. We want to free the people from this fake government, which is a product of Form 47,” Qaiser said.
He added that as long as the current government remains, “neither human rights, nor law, nor the judiciary are safe.”
He stressed the need for a strong democratic system “so democracy can flourish, rule of law can prevail, and the Constitution’s supremacy can be maintained.”
Azma Bukhari’s reaction
In response, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari said: “On one hand, they talk about a ceasefire, and on the other, they keep firing political shots every hour.”
She said the PPP’s double standards did not convey a sincere message of reconciliation and reflected a lack of political maturity.
“PPP should not lecture the PML-N on democracy,” Bukhari said. “They have never borne the weight of democracy on their delicate shoulders — our leadership and workers have carried that burden for decades.”
She added that despite personal attacks, “it is the greatness of our party and leadership that we are showing restraint.”
“The PML-N does not want political differences to turn into confrontation,” Bukhari said, “but it is not always possible to stay silent in the face of one-sided attacks.”