Sharjeel Memon accuses Punjab government of conspiring against PM under PPP’s cover

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon Sunday accused the Punjab government of using the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) name to “settle its own disputes” with the federal government, intensifying tensions between the coalition partners, PPP and PML-N.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon claimed that the Punjab administration was “indirectly targeting” the PPP but that its “actual aim” was the federal government.

“They are taking our cover to settle their own issues with the prime minister or the Centre,” he said, alleging that Punjab was trying to create conditions that could strain relations between the coalition partners.

He added that the PPP supported the federal government on key national issues to ensure the political system continued to function smoothly, but accused the Punjab government of attempting to create division.

“We will not let this conspiracy against the federal government succeed,” he asserted.

The minister criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying her administration’s attitude reflected “jealousy” over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s and the army chief’s successful foreign visits to Saudi Arabia and the United States.

“It seems some people think this recognition should have come to them,” he remarked.

Memon also noted that while the chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan receive the prime minister during official visits, “his own Punjab government neither receives him nor gives him protocol.”

He urged the Punjab leadership to keep its political differences with the prime minister separate from the PPP.

“If you have any issues with the prime minister, please keep them among yourselves. Do not bring the PPP into it,” he said.

Turning to relief efforts, the Sindh minister said the focus should be on assisting flood-affected communities, particularly in southern Punjab.

“We are not doing politics. We are genuinely concerned for our brothers and sisters in Punjab,” he said, adding that those using flood relief for publicity were the ones politicising the issue.

Memon recalled that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had called on the federal government to seek international assistance and ensure immediate flood relief through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He added that while the appeal was directed to the Centre, it was the Punjab government that reacted negatively, despite reassurances from federal authorities.