Pakistan election: PMLN and PPP reach agreement on coalition government

Two political parties in Pakistan have formally agreed to establish a new government following a contentious election.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) will receive support from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the formation of a new government, following an election mired in controversy. 

Despite winning fewer seats than candidates loyal to imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 8, the PMLN and PPP have forged ahead with their coalition plans.

In response, Khan’s PTI party has denounced the coalition as “mandate thieves,” alleging that the election was manipulated to sideline his supporters.

After over six days of negotiations since the initial coalition agreement, the PMLN and PPP confirmed the finalisation of their pact at a press conference held on Tuesday.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardaro, chairman of the PPP, stated, “The coalition’s aim is to address the country’s economic crisis.”

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister and PMLN President Shahbaz Sharif vowed “collective action to tackle economic and other challenges”.

This agreement positions Sharif for a second term as prime minister with the support of the junior coalition partner, while Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP is slated to be the coalition’s nominee for the presidency, a position he has previously held.