Amidst the political impasse following the split verdict in Pakistan’s recent election, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has put forward the idea of a “participatory coalition government.” With 75 seats in the 266-member National Assembly, PML-N aims to forge alliances with former allies to form a unity government.
Senior PML-N leader Azam Nazeer Tarar described the situation as a ‘Hobson’s choice,’ stressing the need for collaborative efforts in the national interest. The proposed formula suggests allocating key positions to various coalition partners, including the presidency and speaker roles to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). PML-N, if given the Prime Minister’s post, intends to distribute other ministries among allies after mutual consultation. However, Nawaz Sharif emphasized the exclusion of PTI from the coalition, urging all other parties to join hands.
The consultation process involves key political figures like Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, among others, to finalize the coalition’s formation. Despite PPP’s nomination of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the premiership, PML-N may extend support after consultations. Establishing a joint committee comprising all parties will facilitate final consultations and recommendations for government formation, aiming to resolve the political deadlock and steer the country towards stability.