ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is engaging in discussions with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding seat adjustment in Punjab and other provinces for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.
Reports from local media on Monday revealed that the PPP has requested the PML-N to refrain from fielding candidates in constituencies currently represented by prominent PPP leaders such as Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Yousuf Raza Gilani.
In addition, it has been reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently in London, will travel to Dubai to attend meetings with the leadership of both parties. Media reports suggest that PM Shehbaz is acting as a mediator between the PML-N and PPP. The crucial meeting is expected to determine the selection of the interim prime minister and decide on the election date.
Speculations have also arisen regarding the potential dissolution of the assemblies, which will be evaluated during the discussions. Furthermore, the PML-N and PPP will explore the allocation of seats for the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).
Pakistan’s Political Leadership Gather in Dubai
The Eidul Azha celebrations in Dubai have brought Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former President Asif Ali Zardari to the city. After Eid, both the PPP leaders will return to Pakistan. The main focus of the meeting in Dubai between PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be the upcoming general elections.
According to media reports, a majority of PML-N leaders are in favor of a delay in elections, while the PPP insists on holding timely elections. The discussions in Dubai will aim to find common ground and convince each other of their respective stances.
Additionally, the PPP has expressed its demand for seats from the PML-N in Punjab and other provinces. The parties will also deliberate on the selection of a joint candidate for the caretaker prime minister. Furthermore, proposals for the pre-date dissolution of the National Assembly and the final date for the general elections will be discussed.
The consultation process is expected to be expanded to include Maulana Fazlur Rehman. More PML-N and PPP leaders, including Hamza Shehbaz, Ahsan Iqbal, Saad Rafique, Ayaz Sadiq, and Ameer Muqam from the PML-N, as well as Khurshid Shah, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, and Yousaf Raza Gillani from the PPP, are anticipated to visit Dubai for further discussions.
