ISLAMABAD: Political parties that were part of the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government reunited on Tuesday to form a coalition government in the center after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the complete results of the 2024 general elections.
The decision was announced by PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari during a joint press conference in Islamabad along with leaders of MQM-P, PML-Q, PML-N, IPP, and BAP. Zardari emphasized the need for political leaders to unite and tackle the country’s challenges collectively. “We will take Pakistan out of difficulty,” he said, adding that reconciliation was also needed, and PTI was included in that process.
Zardari highlighted the significance of reconciliation and inclusivity in the political process, stating that opposition during elections does not preclude cooperation for the greater good of the nation. He stressed the importance of common agendas in economic and defense matters, inviting all political forces, including the incumbent PTI, to engage in dialogue and collaboration. “This is not that we want that PTI does not enter reconciliation. It should, and every other political force should, come and talk with us. Our economic and defense agenda should be common.”
PDM to Form Coalition Government
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif endorsed the coalition efforts, expressing gratitude to Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto for their party’s support. He emphasized the need to prioritize solving the country’s economic issues, stating that unity among political leaders is essential to address the challenges facing Pakistan effectively. “Again, I invite the Charter of Economy to everyone. Come, move forward, and let’s together promote the Charter of Democracy and end the things we said against one another,” Shehbaz said.
PML-N Names Maryam Nawaz for Punjab Chief Minister
Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif announced PML-N’s candidate for Punjab Chief Minister, naming Maryam Nawaz for the position after party consultations. He urged his brother, Nawaz Sharif, to accept the office of Prime Minister, signaling a unified front within the party.
Other political leaders, including Aleem Khan from the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui from MQM-Pakistan, pledged their support for coalition efforts and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the nation’s interests over political agendas.
Aleem Khan said that Pakistan was going through an extremely difficult phase, with inflation impacting the poor and the economic crisis aggravating. He said everyone had to step up for difficult decisions which were beneficial for the country.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has said that no interest could be greater than serving Pakistan for any party at the moment. He vowed that with mutual cooperation, they would strengthen democracy and support Shehbaz Sharif. He said everyone must put aside their political interests and move ahead with a common approach to serve the country.
