Pakistan: PML-N in alliance talks with PPP, MQM-P; Nawaz could be PM

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders started debating the conditions of an alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan in order to devise a plan for the creation of a federal government, according to The Express Tribune. The article said that, should an alliance be agreed upon, PML-N will assume the position of prime minister and reserve the offices of president and speaker for its allies. Similarly, any Independent member joining the alliance or the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) might be appointed to the position of deputy speaker. Furthermore, the article states that other ministries will be divided among allies after mutual negotiation, with the PML-N perhaps keeping the finance minister. As per sources, the decision regarding the nomination for the positions of the Senate chairman and deputy chairman will be made in consultation with the allies after the Senate elections. “The PML-N has held consultation for a long time on this initial formula,” a source said. “It will be finalised in the meetings with the potential coalition partners. Changes can be made in accordance with the evolving political situation,” The Express Tribune reported, quoting a source. Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and others are anticipated to consult on the establishment of the coalition government. PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif was met earlier on Sunday by PPP President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. “In principle, the two parties agreed to save the country from political instability.” According to The Express Tribune, which cited a source, initial discussions on the coalition government’s establishment took place during these sessions. It has been revealed that the PML-N wishes to retain the prime minister position in relation to this consultation. And if the potential allies agree, the post may be given to Nawaz Sharif. But if the allies want another name, Shahbaz Sharif could be the alternative PM candidate from the PML-N. Moreover, according to The Express Tribune, PTI has warned that if PML-N or the PPP tried to rope in their Independents, they would resort to use legal and constitutional options. Sources revealed that the PTI will also start political contacts for the formation of its government at the Centre.