The leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have initiated discussions to formulate a plan for the establishment of a federal government, exploring terms of alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan, as reported by The Express Tribune. The proposed arrangement, if agreed upon, would designate the position of prime minister for the PML-N, while the roles of the President and Speaker would be reserved for its coalition partners. The deputy speaker’s role might be offered to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) or an Independent member joining the coalition. Additionally, the PML-N is likely to retain the finance ministry, with other ministries distributed among allies through mutual consultation.
Sources suggest that the finalization of this initial formula will occur during meetings with potential coalition partners, allowing adjustments based on the evolving political landscape. Consultations on the coalition government’s formation are expected to involve leaders such as Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
In a meeting on Sunday, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PPP president Asif Ali Zardari engaged with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, reaching an agreement “in principle to save the country from political instability,” as per The Express Tribune. Preliminary consultations on the coalition government’s formation took place during these meetings. The PML-N expresses a preference for the prime ministerial role, with the possibility of Nawaz Sharif assuming the position if agreed upon by potential allies. However, Shahbaz Sharif could be an alternative candidate if allies prefer a different name.
Furthermore, The Express Tribune reports that the PTI has cautioned against attempts by PML-N or PPP to attract Independents, warning of potential legal and constitutional actions. Sources indicate that the PTI will also initiate political outreach for the formation of its government at the Centre.