By ABDULLAH The growing tensions between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have come under the spotlight once again as senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a “tried and tested” mechanism for providing immediate relief to flood-affected families.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Kaira urged both coalition partners to adopt a more respectful tone while addressing differences, stressing that heated exchanges would not benefit politics or democracy in the country.
The dispute between the PPP and PML-N was triggered by recent floods that devastated crops, destroyed homes, and claimed both human and livestock lives. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari argued that BISP remained the sole credible channel for providing quick financial assistance to affected communities.
However, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz accused the PPP of politicising flood relief efforts, leading to a back-and-forth war of words. The situation escalated further when PPP lawmakers boycotted both the National Assembly and Senate sessions in protest against her remarks.
Kaira clarified that BISP had already been successfully used in multiple disasters, including the 2010 and 2022 floods, and was therefore a tested tool for immediate cash grants. He said:
“The BISP is not just an idea; it is a system that has provided timely relief in the past. Whether in 2010, 2011, 2022, or 2023, it has been used to help flood victims. This is the fastest way to support families when disaster strikes.”
While reiterating his party’s commitment to supporting the federal government, Kaira emphasised that PPP’s cooperation did not mean unconditional approval of every move by PML-N.
“We decided to support the government without taking ministries, without power-sharing. But that does not mean we have given a blank cheque. We will support when policies are right, and when they’re not, we will criticise,” he stated.
Kaira explained that coalition politics requires compromise and dialogue, rather than ultimatums and personal attacks. He expressed regret over the “harsh tone” that had recently developed between PPP and PML-N representatives, especially over the flood relief debate.
The conflict deepened when CM Maryam reportedly warned that she would “not spare anyone” who targeted her government, a statement Kaira described as unnecessarily aggressive.
“If we offer suggestions, you should listen. If we criticise, you cannot say you will silence us or break fingers raised against you,” he countered.
Kaira argued that instead of personal attacks, both parties should focus on finding solutions to Pakistan’s overlapping crises. He highlighted PPP’s proposals, including declaring an agriculture emergency to address the widespread destruction of farmland.
Kaira reminded reporters that PPP had consistently stood by the federal government during times of national crisis, including war, parliamentary sessions, and legislative reforms.
“We never kept count of favours. We supported the government when Pakistan was in crisis because we believe in solutions, not point-scoring,” he said.
However, he reiterated that support should not be mistaken for silence on policies the PPP considers flawed.
The clash between PPP and PML-N is more than just political rhetoric it directly affects the millions of Pakistanis hit by recent floods. Relief distribution, already marred by resource shortages, risks being delayed or politicised due to coalition infighting.
The BISP debate also highlights a bigger question: should disaster relief be centralised through established federal mechanisms like BISP, or distributed through provincial channels as suggested by PML-N leaders?
For ordinary citizens, the immediate concern is not party rivalry but whether help will reach their families on time.
Qamar Zaman Kaira’s defense of BISP and his appeal for a softer tone in PPP–PML-N relations reflect both the urgency of flood relief and the fragility of coalition politics.
As Pakistan continues to face climate disasters and economic challenges, the ability of its ruling coalition to work together will be a major test. Whether the PPP’s call for unity will reduce tensions or fuel further disagreements remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the people affected by floods cannot afford political deadlock.