Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari expected to meet in Murree

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has initiated political deliberations at Bagh-e-Shaheedan in Murree to navigate the post-election landscape and explore the prospect of forging a coalition government, both at the federal and provincial levels.

Amidst a fractured electoral landscape following the Pakistan general election of 2024, PML-N has secured 79 National Assembly seats, while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has claimed 54. Meanwhile, candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have amassed 94 seats. However, the loss of the bat election symbol has deprived PTI of the right to obtain seats reserved for women and minorities, further complicating the formation of a government.

With none of the major parties commanding a simple majority of 172 members required to form a government independently, strategic alliances are being sought.

Sources have indicated that Nawaz Sharif has convened at his residence in Murree, where he is slated to engage with key political stakeholders over the next 24 hours. Among these discussions, a crucial meeting with PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is anticipated, signaling a pivotal moment in the negotiation process.

During these deliberations, a coordination committee jointly formed by PML-N and PPP will present its findings and recommendations regarding the formation of a possible coalition government. It is expected that both parties will endeavour to finalize the terms of their agreement in the coming days, marking the fifth round of consultations between them.

The top leadership of both parties is poised to announce the formalization of the coalition government within the next 72 hours, signifying a significant step towards political stability amidst the electoral uncertainty.