The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to withdraw its parliamentary support from the PML-N-led coalition government until further notice. According to party sources, the decision means the PPP will not cooperate with the government in legislative matters, including the passage of government bills in standing committees and during the approval stage.
Sources within the Pakistan Peoples Party confirmed that the party has decided to suspend all cooperation with the government in Parliament. The PPP will not support government bills in standing committees and will oppose them during the approval stage. Additionally, the party plans to propose amendments to government legislation in committee proceedings.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the two ruling coalition partners. The PPP has been a key ally of the PML-N in forming a coalition government after the 2024 general elections, which resulted in no single party securing a simple majority. Under the power-sharing formula agreed upon, the PML-N secured the prime minister’s slot while the PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari was elected president.
Tensions have been simmering between the allies over various issues. In June 2026, the PPP made it clear it would not support the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) bill in the Senate, with PPP parliamentary leader Senator Sherry Rehman stating the party would not approve any legislation not thoroughly discussed in the Senate Standing Committee. Earlier in January 2026, the PPP had boycotted National Assembly proceedings over an ordinance allegedly promulgated without President Asif Ali Zardari’s assent, forcing the government to withdraw it.
The withdrawal of parliamentary support by a major coalition partner could significantly affect the government’s ability to pass legislation. The PML-N-led coalition relies on the PPP’s support to maintain its majority in Parliament. This decision could lead to legislative paralysis and further strain relations between the two parties, potentially affecting the government’s stability and its ability to advance its policy agenda.
The decision to withdraw parliamentary support follows ongoing friction between the coalition partners. The PPP has previously expressed reservations about the government’s approach to budget formulation, with party members criticizing the federal budget and highlighting what they perceive as discriminatory policies toward Sindh province. The party has also demanded a greater share in parliamentary committees and more federal funds for Sindh.
The future of the PML-N-led coalition government now faces uncertainty. The PPP’s decision to withdraw parliamentary support could lead to further political instability as the government may struggle to pass legislation without the backing of its key ally. The situation may require high-level negotiations between the two parties to resolve their differences and restore cooperation in Parliament.
The PPP’s decision to withdraw parliamentary support marks a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape. As the PML-N-led coalition government faces this challenge from its key ally, the coming days will determine whether negotiations can bridge the divide or if the coalition faces further fragmentation.
