The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have recently reignited their rivalry after being allies during the previous government’s tenure. With the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) facing challenges in the current political climate, the PML-N and PPP have turned their focus on each other.
The PPP leadership has intensified their attacks on the PML-N, accusing them of abandoning their “vote ko izzat do” (give respect to the ballot) narrative for their own political needs. The PML-N has dismissed these criticisms as mere political stunts.
PML-N leader Nadeem Afzal Chan addressed these accusations during a press conference, stating that the PPP should not blame them for deviating from their narrative. He emphasized the need for a level playing field for all parties in the upcoming general elections.
The PPP suspects that the PML-N is cosying up to the establishment due to the appointment of some former aides to the Sharif brothers in the caretaker federal cabinet and the PML-N’s reluctance to demand elections within 90 days after the dissolution of the assemblies.
During a recent meeting, PPP members accused the PML-N of conspiring against their former allies to gain power and becoming favored by the powers that be. The PML-N was reminded by the PPP that their alliance was formed due to the sagacity of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Faisal Karim Kundi of PPP stated that their party does not need crutches to stay in power and warned the PML-N not to target the PPP leadership. If a delay in announcing the polls date persists, the PPP may approach the Supreme Court. Kundi emphasized that political stability is necessary for economic stability and called for free and fair polls.
Khawaja Saad Rafique of the PML-N responded to the PPP criticism by calling the remarks by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari election stunts. He accused the PPP leadership of supporting ‘Project Imran’ and suggested that the PML-N, MQM-P, and JUI-F could band together to contest polls in Sindh.
As the feud between the PML-N and PPP intensifies, it remains to be seen how this rivalry will affect the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.