PPP-PML-N coalition hits a stumbling block over budget

The relationship between the PPP and the PML-N appeared to be on thin ice as the former, a key ally in the ruling coalition, expressed its displeasure

The PPP and PML-N hit a stumbling block on Tuesday when they failed to reconcile their differences over the proposed 18 per cent standard sales tax on agriculture inputs and machinery. The tax, which the International Monetary Fund insists on as part of its campaign to end tax exemptions in Pakistan, remains a bone of contention.

Moreover, the PPP leadership is unhappy over load-shedding, importing wheat at the wrong time and the inquiry results as well as not giving relief to the agriculture sector in the budget. Feeling left out in the cold by the PML-N, the PPP leadership minced no words in expressing their displeasure as they lambasted the PML-N for sidelining a key coalition partner.

When asked about the PPP’s thin presence in the NA, Senator Sherry Rehman said that the PPP had agreed to support government formation in the larger national interest after intense negotiations, adding that as part of both the parties’ agreement, “the PSDP of all four provinces was to be pre-agreed with the government”.

Had we been taken on board, the PPP stalwart said, we would have been able to positively contribute to the government’s budget-making process. “It is for this reason that PPP had token representation in protest during today’s budget speech session in the National Assembly,” Rehman said.

“It is our party’s position that the government must take the PPP into full confidence on important issues such as the budget,” she said, adding the PPP is also engaged with the PML-N to ensure that the agreement is implemented and any future misunderstandings can be avoided.

Both parties’ teams are meeting again tomorrow, she said, to ensure the implementation of the remainder of the agreement.

For the past few days, the coalition partners have not been on the same page after PPP accused PML-N of turning a deaf ear to its concerns about budget and taxation, saying the PM and his government should approach and address the issues if they needed continued support from the key ally.

Following a split mandate in the February 8 general elections, it was the PPP which had helped the PML-N to form the government in the centre after they both had reached an agreement and divided key constitutional offices, including PM, president, governors, chairman and deputy chairman of Senate and speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly, between them.