Editorial
The partnership between the PPP and PML-N, often seen as a coalition of convenience, has been under strain in recent months. Initially joining forces in April 2022 under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to oust the PTI government, the two parties formed a coalition government. After the general elections earlier this year, the PPP continued its alliance with the PML-N, offering support from the outside in exchange for constitutional positions.
However, the relationship between the two parties is now showing signs of tension. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently indicated that the party might reconsider its alliance with the PML-N. Expressing frustration over being sidelined during crucial legislative processes, Bilawal pointed to the controversial 26th Amendment, which diminished the judiciary’s independence, as a point of contention. Despite his party’s efforts to pass the amendment, he criticized the government for not respecting the terms of the 2006 Charter of Democracy, particularly in regard to equal representation in the Judicial Commission. Bilawal also highlighted grievances over the lack of consultation on Public Sector Development Projects, security policies, and issues related to internet freedom, including restrictions on VPN usage.
These criticisms appear to signal either a desire for greater political leverage or preparation for a shift away from the current government setup. The PPP, once a dominant political force, now faces a crucial decision: continue supporting unpopular policies from the outside or reconsider its alliance with the PML-N. If the party chooses the latter, it risks further alienating its base while trying to reclaim its political strength. Either way, the ongoing tension reflects a deeper dissatisfaction with the current governance and signals potential changes in the political landscape.
