As Pakistan waits for the final result of the general elections, Shehbaz Sharif's PML(N) and Bilawal Bhutto's PPP have agreed to form an post-poll alliance. According to Geo TV, a key meeting took place on Friday night in Lahore, where former president Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal sat across the table with former Prime Minister of Pakistan and current PML(N) President Shehbaz Sharif.
Radio Pakistan reported that during the meeting, views were exchanged on the formation of the government. Both parties have reached a consensus to collaborate towards achieving political and economic stability in the nation, as per news agency IANS.
Despite the PML(N) falling short of securing a majority in the election results, it has positioned itself as the largest individual party. This prompted the alliance talks between PML(N) and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, according to a report by Dawn.
Nawaz Sharif had previously asserted that PML(N) had secured the position of the single largest party in the election results. Sources claimed that Zardari and Shehbaz reached an agreemeent to form a government both in Punjab and at the center. Both parties intend to express their respective stances in the upcoming meeting, finalizing all aspects concerning the power-sharing arrangement, including discussions on who will hold which position through mutual consultation. The meeting concluded after 45 minutes, Geo TV reported.
Nawaz said that it is his party's responsibility to lead the nation out of its challenges for which he extended an invitation to all the Pakistanis to join him in his endeavor to uplift the nation. "Let’s sit together, as everyone knows who has done what for the country," he said. The three-time ex-premier also said that everyone knew the PML-N’s track record and "it is our duty to take this country out of the vortex".
“We all respect the other parties’ mandate, whether it’s a party or independent people. We invite them to come and sit with us to get Pakistan out of difficulties, as our agenda is a prosperous Pakistan,” he expressed. Nawaz emphasized the PML-N's electoral mandate and its ability to address the nation's economic challenges and restore stability to the economy.
"It's imperative for all political parties to prioritize the nation's interests. Politicians, parliamentarians, Pakistan's armed forces, and the media all need to contribute positively," he stressed.
“At least 10 years are needed for the country’s stability. Pakistan cannot afford any fight at this time. We have to sit together and we have to settle matters,” Nawaz maintained.
He also announced plans for forming a coalition government in the absence of a clear majority, assigning Shehbaz Sharif the responsibility of holding discussions with Asif Ali Zardari, Fazlur Rehman, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
The former PM also stressed that his party does not want to get into any fight with other political entities and the country cannot afford it as it needs atleast 10 years of stability. "We can't afford elections again and again," he said.
Greeting jubilant supporters and reciprocating their affection, he said, “At least 10 years are needed for the country’s stability. Pakistan cannot afford any fight at this time. We have to sit together and we have to settle matters.”
With regards to the recent election results, Nawaz refrained from engaging in discussions. "We aspire for our citizens not to struggle with electricity, gas, petrol, school fees, or medical expenses. God willing, the lights will return, the stove of the poor will light up, and the state of the nation will change," he declared. "We aim for improved international and neighborly relations," he added.
Directing his remarks to the victorious party candidates, he urged them to consider politics as a form of worship and serve the constituents diligently. Nawaz said that with a majority in both the Centre and Punjab he pledges to serve all. Lauding Shehbaz Sharif's efforts for the youth, he informed the people that he has initiated the procurement of laptops and ensured free medication in hospitals, reported Geo TV.
Later, Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the party's commitment to overcoming the current crises with even greater determination.