PTI, PML-Q split

After almost four years in alliance, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) is thinking of parting ways with the PTI. The PML-Q leadership has revealed that they have a deep sense of grievance against the PTI mainly due to the poor performance of the Punjab government and latter’s indifference to the ally party. Another thorny issue was the treatment of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as the prime minister did not take the allies or even the federal cabinet into confidence about the government’s ‘agreement’ with the TLP. The PTI is now grappling with the issue to address genuine concerns of its main ally whose support remained indispensable to the ruling party during Senate elections. Besides, the PTI’s coalition with PML-Q is essential for keeping its majority intact in Centre and Punjab.

The PML-Q leaders have expressed their concern over the unprecedented increase in the prices of petroleum products and energy tariff as well as the depreciation of the local currency. It is obvious that the Punjab government has not been performing up to the mark since it came into being after 2018 elections. It has failed to control increasing price hike, improve the health and education sectors while the governance sector has been in a mess due to the quick shuffling of government officials. An increase in the crimes and the surging rate of unemployment are serious concerns. In fact, the masses have become sick of the PTI’s performance and its fake slogan of Naya (New) Pakistan. They have voted the PTI for a visible change, however, all their hopes dashed to the ground due apparent failure of the PTI on all fronts. Expecting the impending doom in the upcoming general elections, the PML-Q has decided to quit coalition with the PTI. Now, PML-Q is reportedly reverting to the PPP.

It is also a wake-up call for the PTI to mend its ways. If the government did not pay heed to basic public issues, including inflation and unemployment, the situation would worsen in the country and there would be no chance for the PTI to make its government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not to speak of Centre.