According to sources cited by The News, Shehbaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), conveyed to his party leaders that Asif Zardari, the former president, has requested the prime ministerial position for Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with key ministerial roles.
A significant development unfolded as the PPP agreed to enter a coalition government with the PML-N under the condition of nominating Bilawal as the Prime Minister.Shehbaz informed party members that Zardari proposed supporting the PML-N to form the government in Punjab in exchange for their support in facilitating a coalition at the federal level.
PML-N sources revealed that Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto on Friday night regarding the prospective coalition. Party deliberations on forming the government both at the federal and provincial levels, particularly in Punjab, were held during a meeting chaired by Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, attended by key party figures.While exploring coalition options with the PPP, the PML-N expressed reluctance to concede the prime ministerial position.
In the event of unsuccessful negotiations with the PPP, the PML-N contemplated forming a coalition government with other parties such as MQM, JUI-F, and smaller factions, with Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister and Maryam Nawaz as Chief Minister of Punjab.The PML-N instructed its leaders to explore additional strategies for future government formation across different regions of the country.
Following the general elections on February 8, the three major parties—PML-N, PPP, and independents aligned with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—are vying to establish governments, with the PML-N initiating discussions with the PPP for potential federal and provincial alliances.
In response, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the indispensability of PPP’s support for forming governments at the federal and provincial levels, stressing the importance of reconciliation for political stability.Bilawal clarified that while no official engagement has occurred with PML-N, PTI, or other parties yet, discussions will commence once the election results are finalized.
Bilawal underscored the necessity of political consensus within PPP’s Central Executive Committee to chart the party’s course of action post-elections, aiming to address the country’s challenges and foster positive change.He stated that without PPP’s votes, the Chief Minister of Punjab cannot be elected, highlighting PPP’s nationwide representation across all provinces.Addressing Nawaz Sharif’s premature statements, Bilawal suggested awaiting the final results before drawing conclusions and emphasized the prerogative of Nawaz Sharif and his party in making decisions.
