As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of a fractured mandate in the recent elections, uncertainty looms over the formation of the next government. With Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) yet to finalize a coalition, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is exploring alliances with other parties to secure power.
PTI, as the single largest party, is vying for the opportunity to form the government. However, its path to power depends on forging alliances with other political entities, given its lack of a clear majority in the National Assembly. Currently, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is in talks with Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen and Jamaat-i-Islami to garner support for its government formation efforts.
Rauf Hasan, the spokesperson for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, emphasized Imran Khan’s stance that the right to form the government belongs to the party that emerged victorious in the elections. Khan has signaled his willingness to form coalitions with Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen and Jamaat-i-Islami in different regions, reflecting PTI’s strategy to secure support across Pakistan.
Moreover, Khan’s call for “power wielders” to reflect on their actions is perceived as a veiled criticism of the Pakistani military establishment, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the country’s political landscape.
In the National Assembly, independent candidates, largely supported by PTI, secured victory in 101 constituencies, bolstering PTI’s position in negotiations. Meanwhile, PML-N and PPP, though significant players, have not yet finalized their strategies for government formation.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, addressing the media, reiterated PPP’s readiness to support the next government without seeking ministerial positions. He emphasized the need to avoid political turmoil and expressed confidence in his father, Asif Ali Zardari, to address the country’s challenges effectively.
Bhutto-Zardari’s endorsement of Zardari for the presidential post underscores PPP’s belief in his ability to navigate Pakistan through its current crisis. The rejection of PTI-backed candidates’ pleas challenging election results further solidifies PTI’s position and paves the way for a smoother transition of power.
As the negotiations and deliberations continue, Pakistan awaits the formation of its next government, with all eyes on the evolving alliances and political developments shaping the country’s future.