Pakistan ruling coalition political crisis

The ruling coalition in Pakistan is experiencing significant internal strain due to disputes between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Initial tensions escalated when the PPP suspended parliamentary cooperation with the PML-N-led federal government following disagreements over election results and allegations of irregularities in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari warned that the withdrawal could “threaten the survival of the PML-N-led government,” noting that the PML-N reportedly withdrew from discussions regarding the Mirpur Division election at a critical stage.

Friction also emerged regarding a 21-day delay by President Asif Ali Zardari in approving judicial appointments, which PPP representatives linked to unfulfilled political understandings. While this specific impasse was resolved through mediation by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Special Adviser Dr. Syed Toqeer Shah, broader tensions persist. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused the PML-N of manipulating voting schedules in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

As the rift continues, the PPP has begun actively blocking government legislative business. PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar stated that support cannot be taken for granted without progress on grievances, noting that “it takes two hands to clap.” This legislative deadlock was demonstrated in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, where the PPP blocked the Natural Gas (Development Surcharge) Amendment Bill and the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) Amendment Bill, causing the committee to defer consideration of both.

These disputes occur alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s challenges involving the military establishment, legal proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and national economic hardships.