KARACHI: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday dismissed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) warning about quitting the coalition government. He described the situation as typical disagreements within a coalition setup, comparing it to disputes within a family.
PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri expressed frustration over the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ignoring the PPP in decision-making. She warned that the “federal government will collapse the day PPP withdraws support.”
Marri criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government for not consulting the PPP and Sindh government on key decisions. Specifically, she highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Sea Port Authority (PMSPA) as an example.
She also pointed out the government’s failure to convene the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting for the past 11 months. Marri said this was a violation of constitutional obligations.
Ahsan Iqbal Responds
Speaking in Karachi alongside PPP leader Nasir Hussain Shah, Ahsan Iqbal downplayed the PPP’s criticism. He said coalition governments naturally face disagreements but stressed that they handle issues internally.
“Just like a family has disagreements, coalition governments have their rhythms,” Iqbal said. “It doesn’t mean there’s a serious rift.”
Unity for National Development
Iqbal emphasized that the PML-N and PPP, despite their ideological differences, are united on Pakistan’s development. He recalled the Charter of Democracy signed by Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto as a testament to their shared commitment to the country.
“This charter shows how two mature political parties can work together for Pakistan’s betterment,” he added.
He also said that senior leaders from both parties agree that the country needs collaborative politics, not confrontation, to tackle current challenges.
Iqbal assured that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb would soon convene a meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC) to address financial matters.
Securing Pakistan’s Cyberspace
During the press conference, Iqbal addressed concerns about the country’s digital infrastructure amid ongoing internet disruptions. He highlighted the importance of protecting cyberspace, calling it a new frontier for national security.
“Defending cyberspace is as crucial as defending borders,” he stated. “Failing to do so can cripple energy, financial, and insurance systems.”
Iqbal acknowledged that Pakistan has been slow to act on this front but is now working to improve. He mentioned that uninterrupted VPN services are being provided to software houses, resulting in a 34% increase in software exports.
“This is a temporary phase, and you will see gradual improvement in our digital infrastructure,” he assured.
Hidden Cyber Challenges
Iqbal noted that even advanced nations like the US face cyber challenges, such as allegations of social media interference in elections. He warned that Pakistan lags far behind and needs to act swiftly to secure its cyberspace.
He urged the government to address “hidden challenges” to ensure the safety and security of the nation in the digital era.
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