PML-N, PPP agree to cooperate for Pakistan’s stability | The Express Tribune

The leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) held a crucial meeting in Lahore as the elders of both parties principally agreed to cooperate for Pakistan’s stability following the general elections.

This understanding between the parties was reached during a high-profile meeting, where top leaders from both parties convened to discuss the current political landscape and chart a course for collaboration.

The meeting, which took place at Lahore’s Bilawal House, saw the participation of key figures including PPP President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and former prime minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N.

Read more: No talks on forming next govt, says MQM-P after PML-N moot

According to a joint statement, the meeting, held in a cordial environment, expressed commitment to putting the nation’s interest and well-being above everything.

The leaders of both parties engaged in substantive discussions regarding the prevailing political landscape and the imperative of collaborative efforts for the betterment of the country.

Reflecting a spirit of consensus-building, the leaders acknowledged the importance of establishing a framework for sustained political cooperation between the PML-N and PPP, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more united approach to addressing the challenges facing the nation.

The statement added that key points of discussion included the assessment of Pakistan’s overall situation, deliberations on future political strategies, and the exchange of recommendations aimed at promoting stability and progress across the board.

Both parties affirmed their dedication to steering Pakistan away from political instability and towards a path of prosperity and resilience. Emphasising the mandate bestowed upon them by the majority of the people, the leaders underscored their unwavering commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people and ensuring their voices are heard and heeded.

As a concrete step towards further dialogue and collaboration, PML-N committed to presenting their suggestions to the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, underscoring their willingness to actively contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing political cohesion and efficacy.

The delegation from PML-N included esteemed members such as Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Malik Ahmad Khan, Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Sheza Fatima, showcasing the breadth and depth of the party’s engagement in the process of political consultation and decision-making.

PML-N, MQM-P leadership meets

Earlier in the day, the PML-N also held a meeting with MQM-P. A statement by the PML-N stated that the two parties had reached an agreement in ‘principle’ on working together towards forming the next government.

However, soon after the meeting ended, MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said no talks were held on the subject during the meeting.

The PML-N delegation was led by party supremo Nawaz Sharif, and the Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui led MQM-P’s delegation.

Nawaz put on a brave face

In the aftermath of the electoral storm that swept through Thursday’s general elections, leaving behind allegations of pre-poll trickery and delayed results, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif put on a brave face by claiming a victory.

In a strategic move, Nawaz unveiled plans to build a coalition, nominating key figures of his party Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar to engage the PPP and other smaller groups, mainly the component parties that were allies in the previous 16-month term of PDM to form a coalition government with his party at the forefront.

However, his optimistic vision clashes with the stark reality portrayed by the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) dashboard, which paints a different picture of electoral outcomes.

Independent candidates, an overwhelming majority of them backed by PTI, dominate the tally, and questions arise regarding PML-N’s ability to secure a majority to form a government.

Election results

According to the final results of the parliamentary elections held on February 8, independent candidates, most of them allied to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, won 101 seats of the National Assembly, which has 336 seats (266 directly elected, 60 reserved for women, and 10 for religious minorities).

These seats are distributed among parties according to the ratio of seats they have won. According to ECP, the PML-N got 75 seats, while the PPP grabbed 54. MQM-P also managed to secure 17 NA seats.

A simple majority of 134 seats is required for a political party or coalition to form the government. Election on one constituency will be held later due to the death of a candidate, while the result of another has been withheld.