Policy, power-sharing: Dar meets Zardari to address PPP concerns

PPP raises concern about govt’s failure to take party into confidence on key policy decisions

By Our Correspondent

January 08, 2025

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar (left) and President Asif Ali Zardari. — AFP/Geo News/File

ISLAMABAD: High-level contacts are going on between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) to resolve issues between the two coalition partners.

According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present at the meeting, which took place at the President’s House on Tuesday. During the meeting, the PPP raised concern about the government’s failure to take the party into confidence on key policy decisions and the non-implementation of agreements between the two parties.

Although there has been no official statement from the President’s House regarding the meeting between Ishaq Dar and Asif Ali Zardari, sources have confirmed the discussions. According to sources, PPP’s complaints and reservations were thoroughly discussed, including the issue of the power-sharing formula in Punjab, which remains a point of contention between the two parties.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reportedly demanded that the written agreement between the two parties be fully implemented. Sources also said that Ishaq Dar assured the PPP leadership that their concern would be addressed. The PMLN has taken time until mid-January to consult with the PPP, and while matters between the parties have not yet been resolved, discussions are ongoing. The meeting also covered the future political situation and potential cabinet expansion. The government once again invited the PPP to join the federal cabinet, but Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the need to resolve grievances before deciding on joining the government. During the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reportedly declined the cabinet offer and voiced his concern about not being kept in the loop regarding government decisions. Sources claimed that Bilawal had expressed pressure from party leaders, who were dissatisfied with the lack of consultation with him on key matters.