Pakistan ruling coalition faces growing internal disputes

The ruling coalition in Pakistan is facing significant internal strain as disputes between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) intensify. Recent friction centered on a 21-day delay by President Asif Ali Zardari in approving judicial appointments, following reservations raised by PPP representatives regarding specific candidates and unfulfilled political understandings. The impasse was eventually resolved through mediation by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Special Adviser Dr. Syed Toqeer Shah, resulting in the signing of various judicial appointments and benefits.

Further tension has emerged from electoral contests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused the PML-N of manipulating voting schedules to influence election outcomes.

Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faces broader political vulnerability due to institutional friction with the military establishment and ongoing legal challenges involving imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These combined pressures, alongside economic hardships, have created a complex constitutional and political landscape for the federal administration.