In a significant political development, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have reached a consensus to share power, securing a comfortable majority in the lower house of parliament for the formation of the next government.
During a joint press conference held at Zardari House in Islamabad in the late hours, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced that the PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif has been nominated as the candidate for the post of Prime Minister, while PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari will be the joint candidate for the presidency. This agreement comes after several rounds of talks spanning over a week.
Key points of the agreement include the allocation of the National Assembly speaker slot to the PML-N and the deputy speaker position to the PPP. Additionally, the Senate chairmanship is slated for the PPP, with Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani being a potential contender. Governorships in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are also expected to be handed to the PPP.
While details about other coveted offices are yet to be disclosed, it has been revealed that the PPP will not join the federal cabinet. Instead, they will focus on key positions such as the Senate chairmanship and governorships.
Regarding the formation of the Punjab government, speculations continue amid discussions. There have been indications that the PPP may seek ministries in the provincial cabinet, although specifics remain undisclosed.
The agreement marks a pivotal moment in Pakistani politics, with both parties expressing their commitment to addressing the country’s challenges. As the political landscape evolves, the nation awaits the formalization of these arrangements and the subsequent government formation processes.
Key Notes
- Power-Sharing Deal: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have reached an agreement to share power, securing a majority in parliament for government formation.
- Leadership Roles: Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N has been nominated for the Prime Minister’s post, while Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP will be the joint candidate for the presidency.
- Allocation of Positions: The PML-N will hold the National Assembly speaker position, with the PPP securing the deputy speaker role. The Senate chairmanship is designated for the PPP, potentially filled by Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani.
- Governorships: The PPP is set to receive governorships in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
- Exclusion from Federal Cabinet: The PPP has opted not to join the federal cabinet, focusing instead on key positions like the Senate chairmanship and governorships.
- Pending Details: Specifics about other important offices are yet to be disclosed, indicating ongoing negotiations.
- Punjab Government Speculations: Discussions continue regarding the formation of the Punjab government, with the PPP possibly seeking ministries in the provincial cabinet.
- Commitment to Address Challenges: Both parties express their dedication to addressing the country’s issues as they navigate this power-sharing agreement.
- Awaiting Formalization: The agreement marks a significant development in Pakistani politics, with formalization and subsequent government formation processes pending.
