Amidst a finalized power-sharing agreement, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are progressing with their plans to establish a coalition government by March 2, followed by a presidential election prior to March 9, as per a report released on Friday.
Under the leadership of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N, backed by the PPP led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has reached a consensus to form a new government following the hung Parliament resulting from the February 8 elections.
The mantle of leadership is expected to return to former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, 72, as his elder brother Nawaz has nominated him for the premiership. Clarifying that Nawaz Sharif preferred not to lead a government lacking majority support in Parliament, the PML-N emphasized its commitment to ensuring a majority presence.
Despite candidates endorsed by incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan securing more seats, both the PML-N and PPP emerged with fewer victories.
According to sources cited by The News International, deliberations are underway regarding holding the presidential election before March 9, coinciding with the scheduled oath-taking of newly elected assemblies by February 29 and the formation of a new government by March 2.
While incumbent President Dr Arif Alvi's official five-year term concluded in September of the previous year, he continued to serve in office beyond the stipulated constitutional period. The PML-N, PPP, and their allies advocate for the presidential election to precede the Senate's tenure expiration and subsequent Senate elections.
Senator Farooq H Naek of PPP referenced Article 41 of the Constitution, indicating that the presidential election must occur within 30 days of the general elections, implying a deadline before March 9.
President Alvi, 74, agreed to continue his duties until the appointment of his successor due to the dissolution of assemblies in August and the subsequent delayed elections.
PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, 68, is poised for a potential return to the presidency, as both PPP and PML-N have nominated him as a joint candidate for the constitutional office, in exchange for support in Shehbaz Sharif's government formation.
The formation of a government necessitates winning 133 out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly.
The power-sharing agreement crystallized following no single party securing a simple majority in the February 8 elections, prompting collaboration among parties to block Imran Khan's PTI from regaining power.
Assurances from Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal indicate sufficient backing for a coalition government.
In the election results, PTI-backed independent candidates clinched victory on the most National Assembly seats (92), trailed by PML-N (79) and PPP (54).
Furthermore, Pakistan Muslim League (N) president and prime minister-designate Shehbaz Sharif convened with delegations from MQM, the Muslim League (Q), and the Balochistan Awami Party to discuss the nation's affairs and foster political cooperation.
Stressing the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation from economic challenges, Shehbaz Sharif affirmed a united commitment to serve the populace.
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