Coalition in Crisis: PTI Urges PPP to Topple PML-N Govt

ISLAMABAD: As tensions escalate between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its key coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser on Monday called on the PPP to stop “friendly fire” and instead bring a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly against the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly after PPP lawmakers staged a walkout, Qaiser assured PPP of PTI’s full support if they moved to unseat the government.

“If they [PPP] are serious, they should bring a no-confidence motion, and we will support it,” Qaiser stated. “We will help them topple the PML-N-led government. I am offering — bring a no-confidence motion now, and you will have our complete support.”

Read more: PPP will not back new government laws after a disagreement.

The growing rift within the coalition was further highlighted after PPP leader and former NA speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf expressed deep concern over recent remarks made by a Punjab government minister targeting the Sindh government and the PPP.

“Such irresponsible statements have not only hurt me but also every PPP worker and the common Pakistani,” Ashraf said. “These divisions will weaken the federation.”

The PPP has announced that it will not participate in parliamentary proceedings until a clarification is issued regarding the controversial statements made against Sindh and the PPP.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation, President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Karachi for an urgent meeting. According to the President’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the move aims to address the growing political discord between Sindh and Punjab.

The dispute was sparked earlier this month when PPP staged walkouts from both the National Assembly and Senate in protest against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s sharp criticism of the Sindh government. The PPP demanded an apology — a demand that was rejected outright by the Punjab government.

PPP Vice Chairman Senator Sherry Rehman criticized the ongoing war of words, especially at a time when people in flood-affected areas were still waiting for aid. “We are asking for aid for the flood affectees in Punjab. It is strange if somebody is irked by it,” she remarked.

Taking aim at Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz’s earlier remarks suggesting provinces should rely on their own resources, Rehman said, “You are still asking the IMF for Climate Fund support.”

Rehman also condemned the Punjab government for allegedly revoking security details of PPP leader Ali Haider Gilani, noting that Gilani had previously been abducted.

In response, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari defended the province’s position, saying the Punjab government “will continue to fight” for its rights. She accused the PPP of failing to deliver in Sindh and challenged the party to name 17 development projects carried out during its 17-year tenure in the province.

“They [PPP] are our allies and we respect them,” Bukhari said, “but you have nothing to show for Sindh.”

The political storm signals a potential breakdown in the ruling coalition, raising questions about the stability of the federal government as opposition forces watch closely.