ISLAMABAD: PML-N and PPP agreed to form a “stable democratic” government to address economic, political, security and terrorist challenges.
According to sources, this agreement was reached during a consultative meeting attended by nominated candidates of PML-N and PPP in Islamabad.
Both sides presented their proposals. After consultation, it was decided that another session will be held today, in which returning PML-N candidates from other provinces will also participate. It was also decided that after consultation with other like-minded political parties, the matters would be settled.
In an unexpected political development, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has emerged as the top contender to regain the reins of power. His former coalition comrades – PPP, MQM, PML-Q, BAP and IPP – rallied behind him again.
Also read: PML-N on the cusp of forming govts
The development came after his party chief Nawaz Sharif took a strategic backseat and nominated Shehbaz for the prime ministerial position and his daughter Maryam for the role of chief minister of Punjab.
At a gathering of major powers at PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat’s residence in Islamabad, political party chiefs met and declared unequivocal support for Shehbaz and vowed to solve the country’s problems together.
While the undertones of the press conference suggested that PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari may be considered for the country’s next presidency. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari earlier advocated Zardari as the next president for the betterment of the nation.
The former foreign secretary said the party intended to refrain from holding government portfolios, although it appeared the position would be limited to ministries and advisory roles.
