PML-N, PML-Q rivalry threatens to deepen political divisions in Gujrat

Political differences between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q)

GUJRAT: Political differences between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), are once again coming to the fore in Gujrat, where competing claims over political influence, administrative affairs and local leadership are adding to uncertainty ahead of the proposed local government elections.

The growing friction has also exposed differences within the PML-N’s own district organisation, with local leaders and party workers increasingly concerned about their role in political decision-making and the distribution of influence in the district.

At the centre of the dispute is the question of who should have a leading role in Gujrat’s political and administrative affairs. Although the PML-N leads the provincial government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and is also a major partner in the federal coalition, the PML-Q continues to enjoy considerable representation in the district through its elected representatives and influential political figures.

The issue is not new. PML-N leader and former MNA Abid Raza Kotla had publicly expressed reservations in 2023 over what he described as the growing dominance of PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain in the administrative affairs of Gujrat. He had argued that the local PML-N leadership, as a senior coalition partner, should have a greater role in matters concerning the district.

The differences resurfaced in subsequent years, including over the composition and leadership of the District Coordination Committee. In April 2024, Abid Raza declined to join a committee headed by Shafay Hussain, while PML-N local leaders later called for unity within their ranks to counter what they viewed as the party’s limited influence in district affairs.

The latest reconstitution of the Gujrat District Coordination Committee in September 2026 has again highlighted the political balancing act. The committee includes representatives of the PML-Q alongside non-elected political figures from the PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party. Abid Raza Kotla has also been included in the body, reflecting the provincial government’s effort to accommodate different political stakeholders.

Meanwhile, differences involving the Nawabzada political family and the Abid Raza Kotla group have added another dimension to the district’s changing political landscape. Both sides have their own political constituencies and local influence, while disagreements within the PML-N over leadership, party organisation and the future distribution of political responsibilities have made it difficult to present a united front.

The situation is particularly significant with local government elections approaching. The Election Commission of Pakistan has been pursuing the electoral process in Punjab, although the provincial government and the commission have differed over the proposed polling timeline.

For the PML-N, the challenge is not limited to managing its relationship with the PML-Q. It also needs to address growing expectations among its own district leaders and workers, many of whom believe that their political contribution should translate into a meaningful role in local decision-making.

The party’s internal differences could affect candidate selection, electoral adjustments and the mobilisation of workers at the grassroots level. Political observers believe that if these differences remain unresolved, rival groups could find opportunities to strengthen their positions at the expense of both coalition partners.

With local elections approaching, the real test for the PML-N leadership will be whether it can reconcile its district organisation, address the concerns of its workers and establish a clear political direction in Gujrat, rather than allowing differences over influence and administrative control to overshadow public service.