In a significant turn of events, Pakistan’s political landscape is set for a transformation as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have struck a historic power-sharing deal to form a new coalition government. Following intense negotiations post the fractured poll verdict, the agreement signals a potential end to the political uncertainty gripping the nation.
The breakthrough was announced during a joint news conference held late Tuesday night at Zardari House in Islamabad, where PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari revealed that PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, 72, would assume the role of the Prime Minister. This alliance between two major political players comes as a response to the need for stability and governance in Pakistan’s current political climate.
Mr. Bilawal expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to govern effectively, stating that they had secured the necessary numbers in the National Assembly following the February 8 elections. To form a government, a party must secure 133 out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly, a threshold now met by the PPP-PML-N alliance.
The failure of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed independent candidates and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to secure a simple majority in Parliament paved the way for the PPP-PML-N coalition to assume power. The market response to the news of the alliance has been anticipated positively, offering hope for Pakistan’s economic stability amidst financial challenges.
With the PML-N securing 75 seats and the PPP coming third with 54 seats, the coalition boasts a formidable presence in the National Assembly. Mr. Shehbaz, in his remarks, emphasized the unity between the two parties and their readiness to lead the government at the center.
Acknowledging the cooperative spirit between the PPP and PML-N, Mr. Shehbaz revealed plans to nominate Mr. Zardari as the joint candidate for the post of President, underscoring the depth of their partnership.
In response to inquiries about ministerial portfolios, Mr. Shehbaz clarified that the PPP had not made any demands from the onset, signaling a commitment to collaborative governance.
The formation of this coalition government marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, offering hope for stability, effective governance, and collaboration in addressing the nation’s challenges. As the PPP and PML-N embark on this new chapter, the eyes of the nation and the world are fixed on the potential impact of this historic alliance.
