Political parties Invites PTI for ‘all-inclusive’ political reconciliation ahead of forming govt,

PPP,PML-N, IPP, MQM and PML-Q join forces for coalition govt

Lahore_(Tahir Chuhdary/Webdesk)_As the results of the election 2024 have been declared, the political parties are making efforts to form a coalition government.

Political leaders from various parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), have announced plans to form a coalition government.

Amid prevailing political uncertainty and polarisation, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari has invited the Imran Khan-founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to join the process for political reconciliation ahead of the formation of the new federal government.

Stressing the need for political reconciliation during a multi-party news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Zardari — flanked by former Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leadership including PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqool Siddiqui, PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat as well as Istehkam-e-Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan among others — said that he wanted the PTI to be a part of the reconciliation process as “everyone has to be on board on the ‘economic agenda’ for the broader interest of the nation”.

The development comes hours after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, during a presser in the federal capital, announced pulling out of the candidacy for the prime minister’s post stating his party would back PML-N’s candidate for the country’s chief executive.

Zardari highlighted that despite competing against each other in elections, they are not ideological opponents and can collectively manage the country, adding that reconciliation efforts will extend to include PTI as well.

“Thank you, Chaudhary Shujaat, for hosting us all here,” expressed Shahbaz Sharif as he acknowledged the gathering. “The election phase has concluded, and Parliament is on the brink of formation,” he continued, emphasizing the transition. “It is imperative for the economy to stabilize,” he asserted, underlining the significance of financial strength.

“National unity is paramount for progress,” Sharif remarked, highlighting the need for solidarity among diverse factions. “The recent IMF agreement has bolstered the country’s economic standing,” he added, acknowledging the pivotal role of international support.

“I extend my gratitude to Bilawal Bhutto for his voting decision,” Sharif expressed appreciation for Bhutto’s stance. “The nation has spoken; these parties now hold a two-thirds majority,” he asserted, indicating the significant electoral mandate received.

“Inclusive representation from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and KP signifies our collective strength,” Sharif noted, emphasizing the diverse yet unified representation. “With our majority, we pledge to address the nation’s challenges,” he assured, committing to effective governance.

“Did we not rescue Pakistan from the brink of bankruptcy?” Sharif questioned, highlighting past achievements and future aspirations.

Despite past rivalries, MQM’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized, “We may differ in ideology, but the well-being of Pakistan supersedes all. We have supported Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously, and now we stand united again.” This sentiment echoes across the coalition, highlighting a prioritization of national progress over individual party agendas.

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Sadiq Sanjrani, representing the BAP, expressed optimism, stating, “Today marks a new beginning. We will work together to ensure a better future for all Pakistanis.” This collaborative spirit resonates throughout the coalition, suggesting a potential shift towards more unified governance.

On the other hand, Abdul Aleem Khan of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), remain cautiously optimistic, the overall mood is one of hope and determination. “People are suffering under inflation,” he acknowledged, “but by putting personal agendas aside, we can find solutions.”