PML-N, PPP to hold second round of talks on power sharing today

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are expected to hold a scheduled second round of talks on formation of a coalition government on Friday.

The Contact and Coordination Committees (CCCs) of the two parties will hold the second meeting following assessment of proposals that came up in their first meeting, reports Dawn.

The general election in Pakistan was held on February 8. The polls did not return a clear majority for anyone, but independent candidates backed by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) won 92 out of 264 seats making them the largest group.

PML-N candidates won in 79 constituencies and PPP got 54 seats in the election. The two parties can form a coalition government with the support of some independent candidates as 134 seats are mandatory to form the government.

The PPP has assured the Nawaz league of its support in the formation of a government as well as the election of the next prime minister, on the condition that the PML-N will support them in elections to key constitutional offices.

However, given the tough competition between individuals, nominating people to fill those coveted spots is proving to be a tough nut to crack for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Sources said that although former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani was in contention for National Assembly speaker, he had been instructed to retain his Senate seat, indicating that he may be fielded for the slot of Senate chairman.

Meanwhile, former opposition leader Khursheed Shah’s name has been floated for the post of speaker, as word within party circles is that the custodians of both houses may hail from Sindh.

On the flip side, the PML-N is said to have named another former speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, as their nominee for the position.

Engagement with PTI?

Meanwhile, PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the PTI has not made any contact with the party for political reconciliation so far. He said the PTI had announced that it will make contact with all political forces, including the PPP, but said the party has yet to reach out to them.

“If PTI has any suggestion, it should meet the six-member coordination committee and then these suggestions will come to the top leadership for consideration,” he added.

On Thursday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was briefed by members of the PPP’s CCCs about contacts with political parties at Zardari House. The meeting was attended by Qamar Zaman Kaira, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Saeed Ghani and other leaders.

Meanwhile, an independent candidate from PP-89 Bhakkar, Ameer Muhammad Khan, announced his intention to join the PPP.