PM Shehbaz, Bilawal discuss political tensions, flood relief in phone call

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a telephone conversation on Thursday to discuss the country’s prevailing political situation, according to a statement issued by the PPP.

The two leaders, whose parties are key allies in the ruling coalition, also discussed foreign policy matters and ongoing flood relief efforts. The call comes amid escalating tensions between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over the distribution of aid to flood victims and disputes concerning provincial water rights.

Over the past week, leaders from both parties have exchanged sharp remarks through press conferences and social media posts. The discord intensified after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif advised the PPP to refrain from commenting on provincial matters.

Maryam later defended her position, saying she would not apologise for her remarks and accused the PPP of “wrongful criticism” of the Punjab government’s handling of the floods. In protest, PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from the National Assembly and Senate sessions.

Efforts to ease tensions have been made by senior figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari, who has reportedly asked Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to help facilitate reconciliation between the coalition partners.

The PPP’s statement did not specify whether any agreement was reached during the phone call, but political observers view the exchange as an attempt to prevent further deterioration of relations between the two major coalition partners.