PML-N faces coalition tensions as IPP warns of backlash, Punjab education results raise concerns

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government is facing growing political pressure as tensions with coalition partners intensify,

LAHORE:  The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government is facing growing political pressure as tensions with coalition partners intensify, while Punjab’s education system comes under scrutiny following reports that more than 753,000 students failed their Class 9 examinations.

Despite the challenges, PML-N sources maintain that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s position remains secure because of the party’s numerical strength in the Punjab Assembly.

PML-N’s numerical advantage

According to party sources, the PML-N has adopted a firm approach towards what it describes as social media campaigns calling for Maryam Nawaz’s removal.

The Punjab Assembly has 369 members, including 234 from PML-N, 97 independents, 17 from PPP, 11 from PML-Q, seven from IPP and three others.

Sources argue that forming a forward bloc would require 120 PML-N lawmakers, making such a move highly unlikely. They also believe that any legal or political development leading to a change in leadership would not necessarily remove PML-N from power, as another party member could become chief minister.

They dismissed speculation about Maryam’s replacement as politically unrealistic.

PML-Q and IPP tensions deepen

However, the government’s approach towards coalition partners has reportedly created friction within the alliance. Sources claim the ministerial positions of federal minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Punjab minister Shafay Hussain of PML-Q could face uncertainty, with their influence potentially depending on their relationship with the chief minister.

Tensions have now extended to the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), following remarks allegedly made by Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat about IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan.

IPP spokesperson and former provincial minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan criticised the minister in a lengthy post on X, questioning the wisdom of using harsh language against leaders of coalition parties.

Chohan advised Rana Sikandar to show restraint when discussing senior political figures and warned that coalition relations could shift from “silent mode” to “violent mode” if Aleem Khan was targeted again.

He also urged the education minister to focus on improving Punjab’s schools rather than engaging in personal attacks.

Rana Sikandar responded by accusing his critics of intimidation and political manoeuvring. He also threatened to reveal details of Aleem Khan’s financial journey, saying the minister had chosen the wrong department and the wrong person to challenge.

Class 9 results raise education concerns

The political confrontation comes amid concerns over Punjab’s education performance. Figures circulating on X, reportedly compiled using Grok from examination-board results, suggest that more than 753,000 of approximately 1.4 million Class 9 students failed across nine boards, indicating a pass rate of around 46 per cent.

The figures also suggest particularly weak results in government schools, while Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur boards reportedly recorded pass rates of 37.5 per cent and 38.46 per cent, respectively.

However, the figures require verification from the relevant examination boards before being treated as confirmed statistics.

Legal notice and new provinces debate

Meanwhile, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League has reportedly sent a legal notice to Maryam Nawaz over her description of the party as illegal and terrorist. The party demanded removal of the remarks and a public apology within seven days.

Separately, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan’s comments on the creation of new provinces have added another dimension to the political debate, particularly regarding constitutional procedures and public opinion.

With tensions involving coalition partners, legal challenges and education concerns mounting, the PML-N faces the challenge of maintaining political unity while addressing pressing administrative issues.