Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday highlighted the need for unity among political forces to address Pakistan’s pressing national challenges and ensure internal stability.
During a meeting held at Bilawal House in Karachi, the two leaders discussed the overall political situation, the country’s law and order, and matters of mutual concern. Interior Minister Naqvi briefed the PPP chairman on the federal government’s efforts to maintain peace and strengthen internal security.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed satisfaction over the government’s recent steps, acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling national issues. “Current challenges can only be met through unity and consensus,” Bilawal remarked. Echoing his sentiment, Naqvi said that it was essential for all political stakeholders to work together for Pakistan’s internal stability.
The meeting comes shortly after the PPP and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), agreed to ease political tensions and address misunderstandings through dialogue and consultation.
According to sources familiar with the development, both leaders also discussed the recent verbal exchanges between the Sindh and Punjab governments—led by the PPP and PML-N respectively—as well as growing tensions within the coalition setup in Punjab. Naqvi reportedly took Bilawal into confidence regarding ongoing efforts to improve relations between the two key political allies. The discussion, sources added, took place in a “cordial atmosphere.”
Earlier this month, relations between the PPP and PML-N became strained after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz criticized opposition parties for politicizing the flood relief operations. She rejected the PPP’s demand to distribute aid through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), prompting sharp reactions from PPP lawmakers.
In response, PPP leaders staged walkouts from parliamentary sessions, warning that they might reconsider their position in the coalition if the remarks were not retracted. The party also demanded a public apology from the Punjab chief minister.
However, recent mediation efforts by senior leaders have helped cool down tensions. The situation began to normalize after a PML-N delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met President Asif Ali Zardari, following Interior Minister Naqvi’s intervention.
Further progress was made when Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and a PPP delegation met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week. During that meeting, both sides agreed to address political grievances through cooperation and dialogue. The prime minister assured the PPP that their concerns would be taken seriously, emphasizing that coalition harmony must be maintained and unnecessary disputes avoided.
Both leaders’ renewed commitment to collaboration signals a positive step toward stabilizing Pakistan’s political landscape and strengthening unity within the ruling alliance.
