Despite the ongoing friction between the PML-N and the PPP, hope is not lost as the PPP still believes that the ruling party will honour the agreement reached earlier this month while expressing disappointment over the PML-N’s lower cadre’s negation of the agreement’s terms.
While the PML-N, at least off the record, is denying most of the PPP’s claims, the latter contends that the power-sharing arrangements made public are not about ceding authority but ensuring fair administration.
PML-N insists that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz will not compromise on merit or allow nepotism.
In response, PPP fired back, asserting that demanding impartial district commissioners (DCs) in their majority-held areas was essential for meritocracy, challenging any notion of favouritism.
It has contended that if ensuring fair appointments was against merit, then such officers do not deserve roles in any province. The PPP further questioned why PML-N’s preference for appointing a “blue-eyed candidate” was deemed acceptable, while insisting on a politically impartial officer was labelled as ‘shifarish’ (favouritism).
PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan, who was part of the committee, cautioned that any statement contradicting the agreement should be taken with a pinch of salt, suggesting that PML-N needs to appease its own supporters.
He emphasised that in actuality, no ground was lost, affirming that PPP would proceed with naming its law officers as agreed upon. Stressing a commitment to merit-based appointments, he affirmed, “If they claim they will appoint based on merit, so be it. We advocate the same: appoint on merit, not political connections.”
When questioned about PML-N sources denying the terms of the agreement, he rebutted, calling their denials outright falsehoods. He affirmed that PML-N would uphold its commitment despite their recent posturing.
PPP parliamentary leader Ali Haider Gillani stated that his party does not want officers posted in their majority areas to be favoured solely because they were close to PML-N. Instead, he stressed the importance of appointing officers based on merit.
Gillani clarified that they advocate for a consultative process before such appointments and postings, rather than seeking preferential treatment for individuals aligned with their party.
Regarding recent statements, he expressed that PPP can overlook them. However, if the agreement is not upheld, they will address it during the bi-monthly meeting scheduled for the first week of July, as previously agreed.
The PML-N leader and advisor to the prime minister reiterated that the premier had affirmed during the meeting that his government would honour all agreements made with the PPP regarding the budget.
Attempts to reach Punjab government spokesperson Azma Bukhari for comment were unsuccessful.
