PML-N, PPP discuss 'formula' to bifurcate PM's tenure

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) discussed a ‘power-sharing formula’ to bifurcate the prime minister’s tenure between the two parties for the next five years, ARY News reported citing sources.

The PML-N delegation led by Shehbaz Sharif reached PPP’s office in Lahore where they were received by PPP leadership including Bilawal Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari and others.

The sources close to the development revealed that during the meeting a suggestion was put forward that the PML-N and the PPP might get their respective nominee elected as the prime minister for two and a half years each.

“One party’s nominee would be the prime minister for the first two and half years while another party’s nominated member could get the prime minister slot for the next two and half years,” as per the suggestion, sources claimed.

The sources said that no final decision was made during the meeting as both parties sought time to consult with their respective executive boards or committees.

However, the PML-N and the PPP agreed to form coalition governments in the centre, of Punjab and Balochistan. It was decided to make a roadmap in the light of the Charter of Democracy.

The PML-N and the PPP have agreed to political cooperation to take the country out of ‘political instability’ with joint efforts

A joint press statement after the meeting read that both parties have agreed to expand the political cooperation.

The overall situation of the country was also discussed and both parties decided to take every possible step to take Pakistan country out of what they called ‘political instability’.

“The majority of the people have given us (PML-N and PPP) the mandate. We will not disappoint the people of Pakistan,” the statement read.

The PML-N which bagged the second highest number of National Assembly seats in the General Elections 2024 also proposed a government formation formula to the PPP.

The PPP sources said that PML-N’s proposals will be placed in the central executive committee meeting of the party.

The PML-N delegation included Azam Nazir Tarar, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Malik Ahmed Khan, Maryam Aurangzeb and Sheza Fatima.

Earlier, PML-N has ‘offered’ presidency, NA speakership and Senate chairmanship to Pakistan People’s Party, to get support for the formation of governments in the centre and Punjab, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Sources claimed that PML-N has offered three constitutional positions to the PPP to gain its support in the centre and Punjab. PPP was offered positions of president, speaker National Assembly and Senate chairman, while PML-N also agreed to give Balochistan CM ship to the Bilawal-led party.