The PML-N has sought a week from the PPP for a response over the latter’s list of demands for power-sharing as there was no breakthrough in the marathon 2.5-hour meeting between the two sides.
The meeting between the contact committees of PMLN and PPP on the power-sharing matter was held in Lahore. Some of the PPP leaders had gathered via video link.
It was held at the backdrop of a meeting between a delegation led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led delegation. The PPP had complained about being overlooked by the Punjab government.
In the negotiation committee, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Malik Ahmad Khan participated from PMLN while Raja Pervez Ashraf, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Hasan Murtaza, and Ali Haider Gilani represented PPP.
They reviewed the implementation of power-sharing promises. The concerns of the PPP were also discussed in the meeting.
According to sources, a consultation was held on the written agreement of the government coalition between the PPP and the PML-N. They agreed on a “phased implementation of the remaining clauses of the agreement.”
It was agreed to implement “some clauses immediately” and set timelines for the rest.
The government “agreed” to take the PPP into confidence before legislation, budget, and policy decisions.
Sources added that in the areas where the PPP has won in the elections in Punjab, the “officers of their choice would be posted.” There was also an agreement to provide the PPP with development funds equal to the PML-N members in Punjab.
The PPP is demanding “administrative control” of four divisions: Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, and Rawalpindi. The PML-N would respond to the PPP’s demands after consulting the central leadership.
At the meeting, the PPP criticised the PML-N for its “unfulfilled” promises during the meeting. The PML-N objected to the PPP “bringing up contentious issues” in front of the media.
The leaders of both parties would present the report of the meeting to their respective party heads.
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Hassan Murtaza, the PPP Central Punjab general secretary, told the reporters after the meeting that the coordination committee members had a “good progress” in their fifth session.
“There is a perception that the PPP is demanding a share in the government, but both the PPP and the PML-N want to take the coalition government forward,” he said and added that discussions were held on law and order and inflation in the province and there was an agreement on development, with the PPP preferring long-term relief over short-term relief.
“This government should continue until the public gets relief, and the PPP is not demanding any ministry in Punjab.”
