The PPP and PML-N, along with other political parties, have agreed to form a coalition government at the Centre, with Asif Ali Zardari expected to become the country’s president for the second time.
In a significant political development, a six-party alliance — PML-N, PPP, MQMP, PML-Q, IPP, and BAP — announced their plans to form a government in the Centre, similar to the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) previous government.
After a meeting of party heads at the residence of PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former President Zardari announced the formation of the six-party alliance for the next coalition government in a press conference.
Before this announcement, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had stated that his party would support PML-N in electing its prime minister without being part of the federal government.
When asked about key posts such as National Assembly speaker, Senate chairman, and president, Bilawal expressed his desire for Asif Ali Zardari to become president, stating that Zardari’s leadership was crucial in addressing the country’s challenges.
Additionally, sources revealed that PPP is eyeing the post of Balochistan chief minister, with party leader Sarfraz Bugti briefing the party on the province’s political situation.
The sources also disclosed that the PML-N leadership agreed to support Zardari for the presidency in exchange for PPP’s support for Shehbaz as prime minister.
Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Rana Sanaullah clarified that PPP did not demand the position of president and expressed confidence in both Shehbaz and Zardari’s abilities.
Zardari’s potential presidency is seen as a strategic move, considering the president’s secure five-year term and immunity to corruption charges while in office. Zardari, who previously served as president from 2008 to 2013, has faced corruption allegations throughout his political career but has managed to navigate legal challenges effectively.
With PML-N and PPP collectively holding a simple majority in the 264-seat legislature, independent candidates backed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party have also secured a significant number of seats.
However, PTI’s refusal to cooperate with PML-N or PPP has diminished Bilawal’s chances of forming a government with their support. In a press conference, Bilawal criticized PTI’s confrontational approach and emphasized the importance of political stability in the country. He stated that PPP’s priority was to support the formation of a government and restore political stability, without seeking ministerial positions.
Additionally, PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for reconciliation among political parties and invited PTI to engage in the process for the country’s progress
