Pakistan's two largest political parties, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), have reached an agreement to establish the federal government of the Islamic republic. Geo TV reported the development, citing a joint press briefing by PML-N Chairman Shahbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and PPP parliamentary faction head Asif Ali Zardari.
"The PPP and PML-N now possess the necessary number of seats [in the National Assembly], enabling us to proceed with forming the next government," stated Bhutto-Zardari, as quoted by the TV channel. According to the cross-party agreement, Shahbaz Sharif is slated to assume the role of prime minister, while Asif Ali Zardari will take on the presidency of Pakistan.
The ruling coalition is set to encompass the PML-N, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and the Pakistan Stability Party.
As per the Election Commission's data, results have been tallied in 265 out of 266 constituencies for the National Assembly (lower house of parliament) elections in Pakistan. The PML-N secured victories in 75 constituencies, while the PPP won in 54. Additionally, independent candidates, 93 of whom are associated with the Justice Movement, clinched seats in 101 constituencies.
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Photo: Taimur Dee/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS