Stop friendly fire and move no-confidence motion, PTI tells PPP amid rifts with PML-N

ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser on Monday urged the Pakistan Peoples Party to stop “friendly fire” and bring a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, as tensions grow between the PPP and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Addressing the lower house of the parliament after PPP lawmakers staged a walkout, Asad Qaiser assured the Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari-led party of PTI’s support for a no-confidence motion against the Shehbaz Sharif-led government.

In recent days, the PPP and PML-N — the key ruling parties at the Centre — are engaged in a fierce war of words over flood relief, water resources, and the performance of their respective provincial governments in Sindh and Punjab.

“If they [PPP’s leadership] are serious, they should bring a no-confidence [motion], and we will support it,” says Qaiser.

He added: “We will help them topple the [PML-N-led] government [in Centre]. I am offering — bring a no-confidence now and you will have our complete support.”

Earlier, PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf voiced concern over remarks made by a Punjab government minister about Sindh and his party.

Speaking on the floor of the House, PPP’s Ashraf lamented the ongoing conflict between the two allies.

“I will not name anyone or add to the controversy, but I have been deeply hurt by this,” he added.

“The irresponsible statements [made by the PML-N leaders] have not only hurt me, but also every PPP worker and the common Pakistani,” he added.

The PPP leader was of the view that such rifts would hurt national unity and weaken the federation.

The PPP leader concluded by saying that his party would not participate in the NA proceedings until they get a clarification on the statements issued against Sindh and the PPP. Staff Report