— Shehbaz Sharif to take over PM’s slot, Zardari will be President
— Both parties say they have numbers to win majority in center, provinces
ISLAMABAD: In a significant political development, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday successfully reached a government formation agreement.
The breakthrough comes after intensive negotiations between PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N President and Prime Minister-designate Shehbaz Sharif. The high-level discussions took place at the residence of Senator Ishaq Dar, where the leaders engaged in crucial talks to solidify the terms of the alliance.
Shehbaz Sharif said the coalition now has the “required numbers” with the PPP to be in a position to form the next government. He thanked the PPP and PML-N leadership for the positive conclusion to the talks between the parties.
He said the numbers are now complete with the PPP to elect Asif Ali Zardari as the next president for the next five years. He also thanked other allied parties such as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid in this regard.
He acknowledged the recent efforts made by independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PPP members to explore government formation options. Shehbaz stated that they had sent a message to independent candidates a few days ago, welcoming the possibility of them forming a government, with PML-N prepared to play its role on the opposition benches, in accordance with the Constitution. However, the independent candidates, even after forming alliances with SIC and MWM, failed to secure the necessary numbers.
Highlighting the extensive discussions held between PPP and PML-N committees, Shehbaz joyfully declared the decision to form a government with PPP. He expressed gratitude to Bilawal for his dedication to the cause and acknowledged the contributions of his brother, Nawaz Sharif, in making the coalition government a reality.
Shehbaz emphasised the unity between the two parties, noting that they were well-positioned to form the government at the Centre. He extended thanks to MQM-P, IPP, and PML-Q for their support in this coalition.
Addressing pressing issues, Shehbaz stressed the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to combating these challenges. Economic issues were also a focal point, with the coalition determined to address them collectively. Shehbaz highlighted the importance of providing opportunities and vocational training to the youth for a prosperous and stable future.
Commenting on the nation’s reliance on loans for 76 years, Shehbaz called for concerted efforts to eliminate this dependency. He emphasised the need to leverage all available resources to overcome challenges and steer Pakistan towards prosperity.
Shehbaz underscored that the coalition represented a blend of youth and experience, forming a potent force united in the pursuit of a better Pakistan.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has announced a pivotal step towards addressing the challenges facing Pakistan, stating that the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are joining forces to establish a new government at the Centre.
In a joint news conference held on Tuesday night, Bilawal affirmed that PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif is set to assume the role of Prime Minister once more, while PPP co-chairman is slated to become President.
Addressing the press alongside Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Ishaq Dar, and other leaders from both parties, Bilawal emphasised the urgent need to tackle the nation’s crises collectively.
“Every Pakistani is facing challenges, and it is our responsibility to navigate through these difficulties with the strength bestowed upon us by Allah,” he remarked.
Bilawal expressed gratitude for the diligent efforts of the joint committees comprising members from both PPP and PML-N. He conveyed his satisfaction that these committees have effectively completed the necessary groundwork, ensuring that the coalition has secured the required numbers to proceed with forming a government.
“For the upcoming presidential election, we express our gratitude to PML-N for their support towards our candidate, who will be Zardari. Together, we will unite in the fight against the prevailing crises, with the aim of fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Pakistani people. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Shehbaz Sharif and his entire team for their collaboration,” stated Bilawal.
Bilawal on the occasion thanked the PML-N for supporting his father Asif Ali Zardari as the next president. Bilawal has said that PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif will again be the next prime minister.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the numbers of the party with the PML-N to form the next government are now complete and they are in a position to do so now. Bilawal said the details of the sharing of key constitutional offices between the PPP and PML-N will come at a later date.
Bilawal also expressed hope that the news of the political alliance with the PML-N to form a coalition government will lead to a positive response from the markets.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, the PML-N Information Secretary, officially initially broke the news, terming the deal as “historic accord has been sealed”, stating, “Government formation agreement has been reached between the two parties.”
