Tensions within the ruling coalition escalated after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent statements regarding water distribution and the Benazir Income Support Programme. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) expressed strong displeasure, threatening to withdraw from the coalition and staging a walkout from the National Assembly session.
The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, saw PPP lawmaker Syed Naveed Qamar raise a point of order, harshly criticizing Maryam Nawaz’s remarks. He condemned her words, “Our water, our canal, our choice,” saying they were deeply offensive. Qamar emphasized that the Indus River’s water belongs to all of Pakistan, not just one province. He added that PPP was being accused of propping up the government, despite not receiving any benefits for doing so, and warned that the party could move to the opposition benches if necessary. Following his speech, PPP lawmakers staged a walkout.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attempted to defuse the situation, apologizing if Maryam Nawaz’s remarks had hurt anyone’s sentiments and suggesting that senior leaders could resolve the matter together.
Meanwhile, PTI-backed independent lawmakers created uproar in the assembly and marched toward the Speaker’s dais, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the session until Friday at 11 a.m. Subsequently, PTI members, led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, set up their own “public assembly” in front of the Speaker’s dais. Former Speaker Asad Qaiser presided over the session, where multiple speeches were delivered.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan presented resolutions that were unanimously passed. These resolutions categorically rejected any attempt to recognize Israel, demanded access to Shama Junejo’s confidential documents, and opposed the transfer of PTI founder and his wife, Bushra Bibi, from Adiala Jail to any other location.
During the proceedings, PPP’s senior leader Syed Naveed Qamar briefly joined the PTI’s parallel assembly. He was warmly welcomed by PTI lawmakers and invited to speak but soon left for the Speaker’s office. The PTI’s “public assembly” was also adjourned until Friday at 11 a.m.
