PML-N, PPP Rift Widens Over BISP and Cholistan Water Dispute

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE – The coalition between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is under fresh strain after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s sharp remarks on the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and her forceful defence of Punjab’s right to construct canals in Cholistan. The tensions, already visible in parliament, have raised questions about the coalition’s future unity.

Key Highlights

• Maryam Nawaz rejected PPP’s proposal to use BISP database for Punjab’s flood relief distribution.
• Her remark “Har cheez ka ilaaj BISP nahi” sparked outrage in PPP ranks.
• Punjab announced its own package of up to Rs1 million for destroyed houses, claiming it surpasses BISP grants.
• Dispute deepened after Maryam’s defence of Punjab’s Cholistan canals project, drawing PPP criticism over water rights.
• PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from parliament, demanding a public apology.
• Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar downplayed the row, terming it a “family disagreement.”
• Rana Sanaullah defended Maryam’s stance, insisting Punjab was entitled to its water share.
• Coalition stability seen at risk as PPP accuses PML-N of sidelining its flagship welfare programme.

You May Like To Read: AJK Paralysed by Protest, Strike and Communications Blackout

BISP Comment Sparks Coalition Tensions

The dispute began when PPP suggested Punjab should use the BISP framework to ensure transparent flood relief distribution. CM Maryam Nawaz dismissed the idea, arguing Punjab’s own relief package — worth up to Rs1 million for families with destroyed homes — far outweighed BISP’s smaller grants.

Her quip that “BISP is not the solution for everything” was seen by PPP leaders as an insult to Benazir Bhutto’s legacy. PPP lawmakers accused her of ridiculing a national welfare programme cherished across Pakistan.

Clash Over Cholistan Canals

The controversy quickly spilled into Punjab’s Cholistan canals project, aimed at irrigating desert lands through Indus waters. Maryam Nawaz defended Punjab’s right, declaring: “It is Punjab’s water. If Punjab wants to construct canals, what is it to you?”

PPP leaders lashed back, terming the statement a violation of the 1991 Water Accord and a blow to the federal spirit of Pakistan. They argued that Indus waters are a shared national resource and accused Punjab of disregarding Sindh’s concerns.

You May Like To Read: Gold Hits Record High in Pakistan, Up Rs3,500 Per Tola

Fallout in Parliament

The tension escalated inside parliament. PPP boycotted National Assembly and Senate sessions in protest. Senior leader Syed Naveed Qamar warned that it was becoming “difficult for us to sit on treasury benches.”

PPP leaders demanded a public apology from Maryam Nawaz, with some senators hinting that their legislative support now hinged on her retraction. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attempted damage control, apologising “if anyone’s feelings were hurt.”

However, PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah stood firm, saying Maryam was simply safeguarding Punjab’s share of water as guaranteed under the Accord.

Escalating War of Words

The war of words intensified outside parliament. PPP’s Qamar Zaman Kaira accused Maryam of encouraging “narrow nationalism.” Leaders from South Punjab charged the provincial government with failed flood relief efforts, worsening misery in the Seraiki belt.

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari fired back, accusing PPP of politicising flood victims: “You may use BISP in Sindh; we have no objection. But don’t target Punjab.”

Coalition at Its Weakest

The unfolding rift has exposed old cracks in the PML-N–PPP alliance. PPP feels its flagship social safety net is being undermined, while PML-N insists on provincial autonomy in development and relief measures.

With both sides trading barbs and staging protests, coalition unity is visibly shaken. Backchannel efforts are underway, led by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq with support from Ishaq Dar and Azam Nazeer Tarar, but analysts warn this is the sharpest test yet for the ruling partnership.

You May Like To Read: 10 Terrorists Killed in CTD Operation in Quetta