The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reached a consensus late Tuesday to establish a coalition government at the Centre, as neither party achieved a simple majority in the general election on February 8.
In the aftermath of the election, leaders from both parties announced their collaboration to govern “in the nation’s best interest,” addressing the political uncertainty.
In a press conference in Islamabad flanked by senior leaders from both parties, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari confirmed their combined strength to form the forthcoming government. The election results had necessitated a coalition, given no party won outright.
With the support of independent candidates, the PTI initially held the majority with 92 National Assembly seats, followed by PML-N with 79 and PPP with 54. Despite PTI’s efforts to secure a coalition with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) for additional seats, the PPP maintained that the numbers were insufficient for PTI to lead.
Bilawal announced Shehbaz Sharif as the prospective prime minister and Asif Ali Zardari as the presidential candidate for the coalition. He expressed optimism about the coalition’s capability to address the country’s challenges.
Regarding the Senate chairman nomination of PML-N leader Ishaq Dar, Bilawal indicated that decisions had been made but would be communicated individually by the parties.
PPP Co-chairman Zardari emphasized the coalition’s dedication to Pakistan’s future success, underscoring their commitment to the nation and future generations.
PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the coalition’s numerical advantage for government formation and appreciated the cooperation from Bilawal and Zardari, noting Zardari as the joint presidential candidate.
Shehbaz clarified that the PPP had not requested any ministries, emphasizing the importance of mutual consultation and compromise in achieving political success. Nawaz Sharif and PPP leadership will guide final decisions on government positions.
He also expressed gratitude towards the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid for joining the coalition, promising economic recovery and anti-terrorism efforts.
The coalition aims to drive economic growth and enhance agricultural and industrial output, focusing on national prosperity and security.
