No clear picture on Pakistan govt as hectic parleys continue

PTI

Islamabad/Lahore, February 12

Top leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) discussed a new power-sharing formula as efforts to form a coalition government gathered pace on Monday following a split verdict in the elections.

Despite independent candidates backed by jailed former PM Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party winning most of the seats, questions loom over what the next government in Pakistan will look like.

Power-sharing formula in works

• It has been proposed that a PML-N candidate will serve as prime minister for three years and a PPP leader for two years
• It is, however, not yet decided who will get the first term
• Several meetings have been reportedly held among the leaders of PML-N, PPP and other parties

None of the three major parties (PML-N, PPP, PTI) has been able to secure a majority in the 266-member National Assembly.

PML-N and PPP leaders discussed the idea of appointing a PM for half the term during their first meeting on Sunday, according to sources privy to the development.

“It has been proposed that a PML-N candidate will serve as prime minister for three years and a PPP leader for two years,” sources said, adding that it was not yet decided who would get the first term.

The meeting was attended by PPP president Asif Ali Zardari, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former PM Shehbaz Sharif from the PML-N.

“We are having discussions with the PPP over sharing power in the upcoming coalition government at the centre and Nawaz Sharif (74) cannot be ruled out as PM candidate,” PML-N senator Irfan Saddique told a news channel.

During the meeting at the Bilawal House in Lahore on Sunday, the two sides agreed in principle to cooperate for the country’s political stability following the election, sources said. They confirmed that several open and behind-the-door meetings have been held among the leaders of PML-N, PPP and other parties.

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