The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has once again expressed its dissatisfaction with the federal government’s exclusion of the party from crucial government and administrative decisions. This time, PPP has voiced strong objections to the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Sea Port Authority.
In a statement regarding the formation of the authority, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri criticized the federal government for making decisions without consulting the party, saying that both the Sindh government and the PPP were kept in the dark about the creation of the authority. Marri emphasized that while the federal government claims it has PPP’s support, this support is not indefinite, and if it ends, so will the federal government’s stability. She also pointed out that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) might not fully grasp this reality.
Marri further highlighted PPP’s repeated demand for a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), which has not convened for the past 11 months, despite constitutional requirements. According to the constitution, the Prime Minister is obligated to call a CCI meeting every three months. Marri called for the issue of the Maritime and Sea Port Authority to be brought before the CCI to ensure that the country adheres to constitutional and legal procedures.
This criticism comes after PPP previously raised concerns over its representation in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and the lack of equal opportunities for political activities in Punjab. Last month, negotiations between PPP and PML-N took place over these issues, but the first round of talks, held on December 9, ended without a resolution. No statements were issued following that meeting.
PPP sources have indicated that the party has expressed frustration with the PML-N for not involving its coalition partners in key policy decisions, particularly in terms of legislative processes in Parliament. PPP has also expressed concern about hasty lawmaking and emphasized that if the PML-N seeks PPP’s support, it must prioritize its coalition partners and change its approach.
The party has also raised alarms about the proposed construction of six canals in the Cholistan region, which would draw water from the Indus River. PPP leaders have warned that this project could lead to the desertification of lands in Sindh and highlighted ongoing protests in Sindh against the plan. PPP leaders have sought clarification from PML-N regarding the source of water for these canals and have warned that the project could exacerbate the country’s ongoing water scarcity issues.
In addition, PPP representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan expressed concerns during the meeting about deteriorating law and order situations in their respective provinces.
However, by the end of December, both parties reached an agreement on various issues related to power-sharing in Punjab, with PML-N assuring PPP that its concerns about the province would be addressed.
