Amidst the political tapestry of Islamabad, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), spearheaded by the former thrice-occupant of the prime ministerial seat, Nawaz Sharif, has proposed the notion of a collaborative coalition government to rival political factions. This proposition surfaces in the aftermath of the fractured verdict on February 8th elections, as reported by media outlets on Monday. The PML-N, holding 75 seats in the 266-member National Assembly, stands as the single largest party. In contrast, independent members, predominantly supported by the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, have clinched 101 seats.
In the wake of this political labyrinth, former law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar dubs the situation a ‘Hobson’s choice,’ asserting that no single political entity has clinched a majority in the National Assembly, while maintaining the fairness of the elections. This declaration transpired following a conclave of the party’s upper echelons at Jati Umra in Lahore, where discussions unfolded regarding the future trajectory of their political course. Tarar disclosed that the PML-N has initiated talks with erstwhile allies to forge a unified government at the national level.
Echoing Tarar’s sentiments, the prospect of forming the federal government appears contingent on PML-N’s support, emphasizing the potential of a participatory coalition government. In this intricate dance of political negotiations, PML-N insiders suggest an initial formula wherein the post of prime minister would be allocated to the coalition parties. In return, the positions of president and speaker might be bestowed upon the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as reported by The Express Tribune.
Concurrently, the role of deputy speaker could find its home in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) or any independent members aligning with the coalition. Further nuances propose that the finance ministry may be retained by the PML-N, while other ministerial portfolios are subject to distribution through mutual consultation among the allies. Numerically, both the PML-N and the PPP hold the sway to shape a coalition government in the central echelons of power.
Yet, the PML-N’s leader, Nawaz Sharif, calls for a united front, urging all parties, excluding PTI, to collaborate in the imminent political landscape. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) results, up to Sunday, reveal the PTI-backed Independents securing 101 seats, trailed by PML-N at 75, PPP at 54, MQM at 17, and other smaller parties garnering 17 seats. The intricate calculus of coalition politics further extends to decisions about Senate chairman and deputy chairman nominations, awaiting consultation with the allies post-Senate elections.
Sources within the PML-N confirm prolonged deliberations on the initial formula, with finalization anticipated in meetings with potential coalition partners. The ever-evolving political landscape may prompt adjustments to the plan. Consultations on the formation of the coalition government are set to involve key figures such as Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and others.
Notably, as the PPP already nominates Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for premiership, potential support from PML-N may further solidify his candidacy, aligning with a consultative approach. Discussions within the PML-N emphasize the creation of a joint committee comprising representatives from all participating parties to deliberate and recommend suggestions for the government formation.