PML-N, PPP say Shehbaz to be PM, Zardari president

After extensive consultations, the major political parties in Pakistan, namely the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), reached a significant agreement on Tuesday to form a coalition government at the national level.

The understanding materialized during a meeting of senior leadership from both parties, including PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. A joint press conference followed, featuring PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and other senior leaders from both parties.

According to the agreement, Shehbaz Sharif is set to be the joint candidate for the position of prime minister, with Asif Ali Zardari nominated for the office of the president of Pakistan. The composition of the cabinet will be finalized through consultations between the parties. Bilawal expressed confidence, stating, "We, the PPP and PML-N, have achieved the required number, and we are in a position to form the government."

Bilawal announced that the two parties would collaboratively establish a coalition government at the national level, with Shehbaz Sharif returning as the country's prime minister. He noted that independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) failed to secure a simple majority for government formation.

Addressing the ongoing crises in the country, Bilawal emphasized that both parties are committed to forming the next government to address the challenges and expressed optimism about their ability to deliver.

Responding to a question about the nomination of PML-N leader Ishaq Dar as Senate chairman, Bilawal mentioned that decisions were made during the meetings and would be announced separately by each party. He highlighted the swift consensus and decision-making process compared to previous tenures.

Asif Zardari reassured the public that their struggle is for the well-being of the people and the prosperity of Pakistan, including future generations. He underscored the shared commitment to ensuring Pakistan's success for generations to come.

Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that the PTI-backed candidates were unable to prove their majority and form the government, leading to the consensus to form a coalition government after rounds of talks between the coordination committees of the two parties. Expressing gratitude to the PPP leadership, he revealed that Asif Ali Zardari would be the joint candidate for the presidency.