Allies threaten ruling PML-N of ending support to coalition govt

ISLAMABAD: After public outrage over rising inflation and other issues, some allies threatened the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) of ending support to the coalition government.

While speaking on the floor of the National Assembly (NA), an independent MNA from Balochistan Aslam Bhootani said that they were happier with the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government as they were being disbursed development funds.

He said that he joined the coalition government after being approached by former president Asif Ali Zardari. He asked the ruling PML-N to listen to their grievances and address them. He added that the incumbent government is ruling with the majority of two votes only and how will they treat the allies if they would have gotten a majority.

During the session of the NA, Aslam Bhootani and Khawaja Asif also exchanged arguments over the development schemes in Gwadar.

In Sindh, another ally, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) announced to stage sit-ins against the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led provincial government and threatened the ruling PML-N in the Centre to deal with PPP, otherwise, they would leave the coalition government.

“Two terrorism cases had been filed against our candidate. JUI-F is the runner-up political party in 14 districts but I am still rejecting the polls. Prime minister should take notice of how Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is treating other coalition parties.”

One more ally, the Awami National Party (ANP) also warned the PML-N government to take bitter decisions if it fails to fulfil its responsibilities to bring the nation out of the crisis. The warning was given by ANP central senior vice-president Ameer Haider Khan Hoti.

Ameer Haider Khan Hoti further said that the government should take immediate steps to stabilise the economy and provide relief to the people. “We will not support a government that cannot serve the people. The ANP does not need a ministry or position to serve the people,” Hoti quoted by ARY News.

The ANP VP added that if the government was serious about resolving the problems of the people, then the sacrifice should start from the parliament. “The government should stop taking perks and privileges amid the economic conditions if it is serious in the steering country out of the crisis,” he added. He pointed out that the issues cannot be resolved by taking further loans. “We have to use our own resources to get the country back on its feet,” he added.

Political analysts expressed their views on the current political situation and the disappointment of the PML-N allies. They said that it would not be easy for the allies to leave the coalition government. They added that the allies joined the coalition government following the instructions of power matrix which will not let them leave the alliance.