President Zardari has intervened to address rising tensions between Sindh and Punjab over flood relief operations. The disagreement escalated after a public debate challenge between provincial leaders.
Sources confirmed that Zardari spoke with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi over the phone and subsequently summoned him to Karachi for urgent consultations. Officials said the president emphasized resolving differences through dialogue and coordination at both federal and provincial levels.
The latest dispute follows disagreements on flood relief management. Both Sindh and Punjab governments have accused each other of mismanagement and lack of transparency. PPP leader Sharmila Farooqi criticized Punjab’s handling of relief efforts and challenged the province to a performance comparison during a morning show.
Punjab spokesperson Uzma Bukhari responded, saying Punjab maintained a transparent and systematic relief mechanism. “We are ready to present every record. Those politicizing the victims’ suffering are, in fact, their real enemies,” she said.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon urged Punjab to provide evidence of its claims, adding, “Facts cannot be hidden through speeches; the public can see how many people are still living in tents.” Bukhari reaffirmed her willingness to participate in the debate, stating she would appear personally.
Adding to the controversy, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s spokesperson and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab criticized Punjab’s stance. He suggested forming an independent commission to audit relief efforts, emphasizing that “this is not the time for politics but for service.”
Meanwhile, Aseefa Bhutto highlighted that ignoring the Benazir Income Support Programme for flood relief would amount to “gross negligence.”
President Zardari’s intervention aims to de-escalate tensions and ensure coordinated efforts for flood-affected populations. Officials hope that dialogue, along with independent auditing, will prioritize service over political disputes and focus on relief delivery.
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