After the February 8 elections, political chaos and uncertainty continue to plague Pakistan, as there is yet to be any news about the formation of the official government.
The leaders of the PPP and PML-N met again on Tuesday night to talk about establishing a coalition at the center after claiming a majority in the lower house. Together with the backing of other smaller parties, two parties possessed sufficient numbers to establish a government. With 79 seats, PML-N is the largest party, followed by the PPP with 54. They hold a solid majority of 264 seats in the assembly, along with four smaller parties.
The press conference was given by Bilawal Bhutto at PML-N leader Ishaq Dar’s house. At the press conference, Bilawal declared that Shehbaz Sharif would be the next prime minister and would cast votes for him in his support. He further declared that Asif Ali Zardari would take the presidential position.
Insiders, however, informed Dawn that the PML-N would hold the NA speaker position according to the agreement made by the two parties and that the PPP would not be joining the federal government.
They said that the PPP would win the Senate chairmanship, with Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani being the front-runner. The PPP will also win the governorships in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to sources, Sarfaraz Bugti is the front-runner for the chief ministership in Balochistan, which would be jointly formed by the PML-N and the PPP. The deputy chairmanship in the Senate will go to the PML-N, while the deputy speakership in the lower house will go to the PPP.
The Constitution’s Article 91(2) mandates that the National Assembly’s first session be called by February 29. Following the taking of oath, members will elect the speaker and deputy speaker by secret ballot on the first day of the NA session. The schedule for the PM election will then be announced by the new speaker. The PM must receive 169 votes in the 336-member parliament to be elected.
