PML-N, PPP agree to form coalition government in Pakistan: report

Pakistani media has reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form a coalition government in the centre and Punjab province.

According to Geo News, former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, inviting them to work together for Pakistan.

It has been further claimed that both parties will finalise matters regarding the power-sharing formula, as to who will assume which role, in the next meeting. It comes at a time when the final results are still awaited. If the coalition talks succeed, then it is expected that three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will once again assume the leadership role.

Currently, Imran Khan-backed candidates are leading in 100 seats, followed by PML-N in 71, PPP in 53 and MQM-P in 17.

On Friday, PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif invited all the political parties to form a coalition government to "save the country".

Addressing the supporters, he said, “I understand, it is our duty to take the country out of the vortex; we invite everyone to join us to take Pakistan out of difficulties. Let’s sit together, as everyone knows who has done what for the country,” he said.

The three-time former premier said that all knew the PML-N’s track record and "it is our duty to take this country out of the vortex".

“We all respect the other parties’ mandate, whether it’s a party or independent people. We invite them to come and sit with us to get Pakistan out of difficulties, as our agenda is a prosperous Pakistan,” he said, according to Geo News.

Nawaz said the PML-N got the mandate and knew how to take the country out of the economic difficulties and fix the economy.

Also read | Pakistan elections: both Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif claim victory; final results awaited