Sharif Summons PPP Leaders for Urgent Meeting Amid Coalition Tensions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited PPP leaders for a crucial meeting to address mounting disagreements within the ruling coalition. Key issues include the federal government's ministry downsizing and power subsidy limited to Punjab. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is expected to attend along with top PPP members.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a meeting with key Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders on Thursday to resolve escalating tensions within the ruling coalition. The meeting aims to address disagreements over the federal government's downsizing of ministries and a power subsidy exclusive to Punjab province, Dawn reported citing sources.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has confirmed receipt of a formal invitation from the Prime Minister for a meeting at the PM House, scheduled to be followed by a dinner, according to a PPP source. The delegation is expected to include Sherry Rahman, the party's parliamentary leader in the Senate, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and veteran leader Syed Naveed Qamar, though their participation isn't confirmed yet. The PPP is also set to discuss its future legislative agenda.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Advisor on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah, and other key cabinet members are expected to support the Prime Minister during this meeting, Dawn reports. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has already arrived in Islamabad and chaired a meeting of the party's central Punjab chapter at Zardari House on Wednesday to discuss the prevailing political situation and PPP's organizational matters.

The discord stems from tension between the ruling ally and the PPP over skyrocketing electricity prices and the downsizing of ministries as part of austerity measures. Tensions heightened when PML-N President Nawaz Sharif announced a PKR 14 per unit relief for Punjab users consuming 200 to 500 units per month. The declaration met with disapproval from both the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration and the PPP-led Sindh government, who criticized the federal and Punjab administrations for not providing similar funds for their provinces.

PM Sharif, on Tuesday, defended Punjab's actions by stating that the Centre hadn't provided any financial support to the province. He also urged other provinces to reallocate their development funds to offer similar relief to electricity consumers, setting another example for provincial governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)