ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar emphasized on Saturday that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will continue to be a vital coalition partner of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), even after the latter secured a simple majority in the National Assembly through reserved seats.
“PPP is and will remain our coalition partner,” Dar stated, highlighting that without the support of the PPP, forming a government after the 2024 general elections would not have been possible.While speaking to journalists at Data Darbar in Lahore, Dar mentioned that the PPP, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stood by the government during challenging times and would support the Nawaz Sharif-led party in periods of stability.
Addressing rumors that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif wished to meet his political rival, PTI founder Imran Khan, in Adiala jail, Dar dismissed these reports as “mere wishful thinking.” He described them as “speculations,” asserting that such meetings are unnecessary and that the law will take its own course. Dar added that these stories might be deliberately spread as part of a propaganda campaign.
The deputy prime minister also clarified that the ruling party is open to collaboration with all political parties, whether in government or opposition, and that no ministerial demands have been made by the coalition partners.This statement came after the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification of reserved seats granted the ruling alliance a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, increasing its strength from 218 to 235 members. The decision followed the top court’s ruling that PTI was ineligible for seats reserved for women and minorities, leading to a redistribution of reserved seats in favor of the current government.
Earlier this week, PML-N senior leader and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that it was entirely the PPP’s decision whether to join the current government or not. During an appearance on media he described the previous coalition with the PPP as “a positive experience” and expressed optimism that cooperation between the two parties could further the country’s national interests.
While he did not confirm any ongoing negotiations or provide a detailed roadmap, Asif said his comments were based on political experience rather than insider information, suggesting that a potential alliance could be beneficial for national progress.
