PPP, PML-N Rivalry Escalates As Alliance Dissolves

In Rawalpindi and Lahore, the once-strong alliance led by Shehbaz Sharif between PPP and PML-N seems to be disintegrating. On Saturday, both parties clashed over election matters, accusing each other of political flip-flopping and vying for the support of influential groups.

Tensions escalated as PPP and PML-N engaged in a heated verbal exchange, accusing each other of reneging on previous positions and courting the establishment to bolster their own interests.

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Both parties downplayed each other’s political slogans and blamed each other for a lack of performance. PPP criticized PML-N leaders as the “political heirs” of military dictator Zia-ul-Haq, while PML-N took a dig at the former’s slogan, stating, “Bhutto is no longer alive.”

During a press conference in Lahore, PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan, indirectly criticizing PML-N, suggested that their former allies were “seeking refuge in institutions.” He emphasized PPP’s commitment to its slogan, contrasting it with “respect the vote.”

The differences between PPP and PML-N have been growing, especially regarding the timing of the general elections. PPP called for early elections, while PML-N insisted on completing constituency delimitation before holding elections. The delimitation process would extend the elections beyond the constitutionally mandated 90-day period following the lower house’s dissolution on August 9.

Chan expressed PPP’s desire for elections but voiced concerns about a scenario reminiscent of the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), a political alliance formed to prevent PPP from winning the 1988 polls. He stressed the importance of a level playing field, ensuring all parties have an equal opportunity.

In response, PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi, along with Chaudhry Tanvir, clarified that they never stated an intention to contest elections with PPP or form an electoral coalition. He emphasized that the previous coalition government should not be confused with an election alliance.

PPP’s Hassan Murtaza challenged Abbasi to a debate and labeled PML-N leaders as “political descendants” of military dictator Zia-ul-Haq, implying their animosity towards Bhutto stems from inherited hatred. Murtaza accused PML-N of having a history of bowing to dictators and confronting politicians, arguing that it’s ingrained in their party’s DNA. He passionately defended Bhutto’s legacy, asserting that it endures and will always be alive. Murtaza also highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s reliance on Bhutto during difficult times, emphasizing that true leadership transcends infrastructure projects.