Dar, Naqvi allay fears over breach in coalition

PML-N, PPP remain allies despite policy rifts; ministers deny rumours of split or presidential removal

LAHORE/SUKKUR, July 6: Is there breach in coalition? Top federal ministers Ishaq Dar and Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday sought to quell mounting speculation over a potential rupture in the PML-N–PPP alliance, reaffirming that both parties — along with the military establishment — remain united in purpose and governance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing the media in Lahore, stressed that despite the PML-N’s numerical advantage in parliament following the allocation of reserved seats, the party had no intention of sidelining the PPP.

“We are committed to standing by those who supported us in challenging times,” Dar said. “PPP is a vital partner in this coalition and continues to be treated as such. We had formed the government with their support and will not forget that.”

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking in Sukkur, dismissed reports suggesting plans were afoot to remove President Asif Ali Zardari — a senior PPP figure — calling the rumours “baseless”.

“There is no truth to it. The president, the army, and the government are fully aligned and on the same page,” Naqvi said. “Those spreading such rumours are doing so with the intent to destabilize.”

PPP holds back on cabinet roles

Despite reassurances from PML-N leaders, the PPP has continued to distance itself from formally joining the federal or Punjab cabinets. While some within the PPP have voiced support for taking ministerial positions, the party leadership has held firm to its position of remaining outside the government setup — at least for now.

PPP Secretary General Humayun Khan confirmed that the party had been offered portfolios, but reiterated its reluctance. “Yes, the PML-N has offered cabinet positions, but we have reservations and are not interested in joining the cabinet under the current circumstances,” he said.

Party insiders cite fundamental policy differences and ideological divergence as reasons behind the decision. “We supported the government in foreign affairs and critical moments — including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s role on the international front — but that does not mean we must be part of the cabinet,” a senior PPP leader from Punjab said.

Political jostling continues in AJK, KP

The apparent unity is being tested on the political frontlines in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where both PPP and PML-N have intensified efforts to attract PTI dissidents.

In AJK, PML-N’s strength in the Legislative Assembly rose to nine after PTI defector Chaudhry Akmal Sargala joined the party. The PPP had earlier managed to woo four PTI lawmakers, pushing its total to 17.

These moves have prompted a fierce reaction from the PTI, which has vowed to protect its majority in KP amid disputes over reserved seats and threats to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s position.

Cabinet dilemma within PPP

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently hinted at a growing possibility of a formal arrangement between the PML-N and PPP to pursue a unified national agenda. However, Dar denied any formal request from the PPP for cabinet inclusion.

Inside the PPP, voices such as Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani have suggested the party should either formally join the government or exit the coalition and return to the public.

The party’s ongoing balancing act — supporting the government while resisting executive roles — has sparked internal debate over the way forward.

‘No meeting with Imran’

On speculation regarding a potential meeting between Nawaz Sharif and incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Dar shut down the rumours, calling them “wishful thinking”.

“We don’t need to go to anyone. Let the law take its course,” he said.

While ministers on both sides continue to assert that the coalition is intact, the PPP’s careful distance from cabinet roles and growing political maneuvering suggest that the alliance — though functional — is navigating undercurrents of unease.