ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Political tensions within the ruling coalition surfaced prominently on Tuesday as sharp exchanges erupted between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over issues of flood relief distribution, water rights, and canal projects in Punjab.
The dispute began when the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, rejected PPP’s demand that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) be used to provide assistance to Punjab’s flood victims.
Maryam said Punjab had its own plans to rehabilitate the displaced and would rely on its own resources.
The disagreement escalated when PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from both the Senate and the National Assembly, objecting to Maryam Nawaz’s controversial remarks regarding canals and her criticism of PPP’s reaction to Punjab’s flood management.
In her earlier speech, Maryam defended Punjab’s right to construct canals, asking: “If Punjab talks about canals, why should it trouble anyone? My water, my money — what pain does it cause others?” She accused other provinces of attempting to gain “political mileage” from Punjab’s flood crisis.
Her words angered PPP leaders. Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro announced a boycott of parliamentary proceedings until Maryam apologizes. PPP’s Syed Naveed Qamar stressed that Sindh had long experience in handling devastating floods, arguing that offering advice should not be taken as criticism. “Our water, our money, our will — what does that mean? This is our country, not one province’s alone,” he asserted in the NA.
Qamar warned that floods remain a major national challenge, citing the FAO’s warning that recent floods will affect upcoming Rabi cultivation. He lamented that citizens were seeing “politics instead of rescue and relief efforts.”
The row also touched on Punjab’s canal project, opposed by PPP in the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Maryam, however, insisted Punjab had the right to use its share of water. PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah defended her, saying she was simply reiterating Punjab’s position within the CCI.
Meanwhile, PPP leaders including Sherry Rehman accused Maryam of undermining coalition unity. She emphasized that the BISP is internationally recognized and must remain central to flood relief efforts.
She added that Sindh had never politicized Punjab’s flood challenges and urged provinces to share issues responsibly.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attempted to cool tensions, saying if PPP was hurt by Maryam’s words, dialogue should resolve the matter. Nevertheless, PPP lawmakers declared they could not continue sitting on treasury benches without respect.
