Political differences between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), are resurfacing in Gujrat, with disagreements over political influence, administrative responsibilities and local leadership creating uncertainty ahead of the proposed local government elections.
The tensions have also highlighted internal differences within the PML-N’s district organisation. Local leaders and party workers have raised concerns about their role in decision-making and the distribution of political influence in the district. At the centre of the dispute is the question of how responsibilities in Gujrat’s political and administrative affairs should be shared between the coalition partners.
Although the PML-N leads the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and is a major partner in the federal coalition, the PML-Q maintains considerable representation in Gujrat through its elected representatives and influential political figures.
The disagreement has a history. In 2023, former MNA and PML-N leader Abid Raza Kotla publicly expressed reservations over what he described as the growing influence of PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain in the district’s administrative affairs. He argued that the PML-N, as a senior coalition partner, should have a greater role in local decision-making.
Differences continued over the composition and leadership of the District Coordination Committee. In April 2024, Abid Raza declined to join a committee headed by Shafay Hussain. PML-N leaders subsequently called for unity within the party, amid concerns about their influence in district affairs.
The latest reconstitution of the Gujrat District Coordination Committee in September 2026 has brought the issue into focus again. The committee includes PML-Q representatives as well as non-elected political figures from the PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party. Abid Raza Kotla has also been included, reflecting an effort by the provincial government to accommodate different political stakeholders.
Differences between the Nawabzada political family and the group led by Abid Raza Kotla have further complicated the district’s political landscape. Both groups have their own constituencies and local influence, while disagreements over leadership and the distribution of responsibilities have made it difficult for the PML-N to maintain a unified district position.
The situation has gained importance ahead of the proposed local government elections in Punjab. The Election Commission of Pakistan has been pursuing the electoral process, although the provincial government and the commission have differed over the proposed polling schedule.
The coming local elections may put pressure on the PML-N to resolve internal disagreements, address the concerns of district leaders and coordinate its relationship with the PML-Q. Differences could also affect candidate selection, electoral arrangements and the mobilisation of party workers at the grassroots level.
