The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) staged a dramatic walkout from the National Assembly on Tuesday, issuing a stern warning that it may soon join the opposition benches following contentious remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, creating a potential crisis for the ruling coalition.
Senior PPP leader Naveed Qamar, speaking on the assembly floor, conveyed the party’s deep disappointment over the Punjab Chief Minister’s speech. He clarified that the PPP had not sought ministries or official positions but expected respect as a key ally.
‘We are already accused of propping up this government. If matters continue this way, it will be difficult for us to sit on the treasury benches,’ Qamar stated. ‘That time is not far when we may cross over to the opposition.’
His declaration was met with invitations from opposition members to join their ranks, prompting Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to interject, “This is our internal matter, don’t get excited.”
Qamar also drew attention to the severe flood situation devastating his constituency and other parts of Pakistan. He emphasized that citizens expected leaders to concentrate on relief efforts rather than engaging in political disputes. “What does it mean when someone says ‘our water’? Respect us and think of the people. We have no price tag for sitting on government benches,” he remarked, underscoring that CM Maryam’s comments had profoundly hurt the party.
The session, presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, descended into chaos with loud protests and sloganeering. In a notable show of solidarity, members from both the PPP and PTI thumped their desks in approval when Qamar hinted at shifting alliances. The Speaker eventually adjourned the proceedings until October 3.
In an apparent attempt at reconciliation, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar later offered an apology to the PPP members. “If anyone’s sentiments were hurt, I regret it. Politics often has heated moments, but this is a family matter and will be resolved within the house,” he commented.
The political firestorm was ignited by Maryam Nawaz’s speech in Faisalabad a day earlier. She had criticized the PPP leadership for suggesting the federal government seek international aid for flood victims and utilize the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for relief distribution, asserting that Punjab had the right to manage its own relief efforts without external approval.