Late-night Political Maneuvers Unfold as Parties Scramble for Coalition Building

Leaders of Major Parties in Talks for Alliance Formation Amidst Uncertainty

ISLAMABAD, Feb 10,2024: Late-night Political Maneuvers Unfold as Parties Scramble for Coalition Building. As the nation awaited the completion of the vote-counting process, leaders from prominent political parties engaged in late-night meetings on Friday, signaling a frantic effort to secure the necessary numbers for government formation at both the national and provincial levels.

In a pivotal speech on Friday evening, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif disclosed his directive to his brother, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to initiate talks with key parties including PPP and MQM-P for a potential alliance.

Sources revealed that Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari and his son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at the residence of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. A PPP source characterized the meeting as a significant start to discussions about the election results and the ensuing post-election landscape. Despite its brevity, the meeting reportedly concluded on a positive note.

Following this, Shehbaz Sharif also reached out to MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Senior leader Aminul Haque confirmed the late-night phone call between Mr. Sharif and MQM-P, hinting at an imminent meeting between the two parties.

Meanwhile, MQM-P Convener Dr Siddiqui extended an invitation to all independent candidates who emerged victorious in the elections to join his party, emphasizing their open-door policy.

In a surprising twist, the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), known for its historical association with PTI since the 2014 sit-in outside Parliament House, is reportedly in discussions for collaboration. There are indications that PTI-backed independents may merge with MWM to maintain discipline within their ranks and secure reserved seats for women and minorities.

Hameed Hussain of MWM secured victory in NA-37 Kurram, defeating PPP’s Sajid Turi, prompting speculation about potential collaboration in the Punjab Assembly as well.

PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hassan acknowledged ongoing discussions within the party, revealing that multiple options were being considered. He emphasized that while the establishment of their party was the primary focus, decisions regarding alliances, independent status, or potential collaboration with MWM would be made in the coming days.

Contrary to these reports, MWM Political Affairs Secretary Asad Naqvi stated that there were no ongoing negotiations with PTI leadership regarding collaboration.

As the political landscape continues to evolve post-election, the coming days promise to bring clarity on potential alliances, power-sharing arrangements, and the formation of governments at various levels. The nation watches as political leaders navigate the complex process of coalition-building in the wake of a closely contested election.