ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Sunday expressed their commitment to enhancing political cooperation for political stability and development of Pakistan.
The political parties held talks for the first-time regarding government formation, with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif leading a delegation to Bilawal House. There, they met with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the formation of the government.
During the meeting, the PPP leaders informed the PML-N delegation that the decision regarding political cooperation would be deliberated upon in the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting scheduled for Monday.
لاہور: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کی قیادت سے مسلم لیگ ن کا حکومت سازی کے لئے پہلا باضابطہ رابطہ
لاہور: مسلم لیگ ن کے صدر میاں شہباز شریف پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی سے حکومت سازی میں تعاون کیلئے بلاول ہاؤس پہنچ گئے
لاہور: صدر پی پی پی پی آصف علی زرداری، چیئرمین پی پی پی بلاول بھٹو زرداری اور… pic.twitter.com/bFTAo6JOPW
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 11, 2024
A joint statement issued by both parties affirmed their agreement in principle on political cooperation and highlighted their resolve to save the country from political instability.
PML-N and PPP Discuss Alliance
The meeting marked the beginning of political maneuvering following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections, which saw PML-N and PPP emerging as the second and third largest parties, respectively.
The joint statement emphasized the necessity of forging alliances to address the country’s political landscape. PML-N, having secured 79 seats, lacks a clear majority and seeks cooperation from other parties or independent candidates to form the government.
Meanwhile, media reported that PPP co-Chairman Zardari had expressed a willingness to collaborate with the PML-N on the condition that Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari be appointed as Prime Minister.
In a statement on Saturday, Bilawal underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation for political stability, asserting that no government could be formed without the support of his party. He emphasized the need for political consensus within the PPP’s Central Executive Committee to address the challenges facing the country.
Bilawal’s remarks signaled a potential shift in stance, as he had previously opposed any alliance with PML-N during his election campaign.
