PPP Calls for Political Consensus on Key National Challenges
Amid rising political tensions at the federal level, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday announced its decision to engage with all political parties, including its traditional rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to build a national consensus on critical issues such as security, the digital economy, and agriculture.
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The decision was taken during a meeting at Bilawal House, where party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari directed the PPP’s Rabta (liaison) committee to reach out to other political parties to explore areas where consensus can be achieved.
This directive broadens the mandate of the Rabta committee, which was initially formed to address unmet promises from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The PPP, a key ally in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government, is now seeking to intensify its efforts to involve opposition parties in shaping national policies.
Challenges Highlighted by the Committee
During the meeting, Rabta committee members expressed frustration over the lack of timely consultation by the federal government on political, policy, and legislative matters. They identified these shortcomings as major obstacles to effective governance and collaboration.
The committee discussed unresolved issues affecting Punjab, South Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh, along with broader challenges in flood rehabilitation, water management, agricultural reforms, the digital economy, and public-interest legislation.
The party also raised concerns over the resurgence of terrorism and the need for a new consensus to address emerging security threats.
Bilawal’s Directive
In a statement issued after the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari instructed the Rabta committee to consult all political parties in parliament to identify areas of potential consensus. The recommendations will be presented to the PPP Central Executive Committee later this month.
Strengthening the PPP’s Position
Frustrated by what it perceives as ongoing “disrespect” and “unmet commitments” from the PML-N despite being a key coalition partner, the PPP had recently formed a high-level committee to address these concerns with Islamabad. The committee comprises prominent leaders, including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and others.
One participant of the meeting emphasized the party’s inclusive approach:
“On significant national issues, we have always engaged with all parties, including the PTI. This time, too, we will consult everyone because the issues at hand affect the entire nation.”
Urgent National Issues
The PPP highlighted several pressing issues, such as the growing digital economy crisis and internet challenges, as matters requiring immediate attention.
“The internet situation in the country is not only troubling Pakistanis but is also damaging the nation’s global reputation,” a PPP leader noted, underscoring the importance of addressing modern technological challenges.
By fostering dialogue across the political spectrum, the PPP aims to ensure that critical national issues are tackled collaboratively, strengthening governance and public trust.
