Federal Cabinet
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has suggested that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) might consider joining the federal government, a move that could reshape the political landscape by bringing the two major political parties — the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP — into a more formal alliance at the national level.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, Asif said the political environment appears increasingly conducive to a potential power-sharing arrangement between the two parties. “I have been in politics for a considerable amount of time.
The chances have increased substantially that if there’s an arrangement between both parties in which we can work for our national agenda, then it would be something good, and I would appreciate that,” he stated.
However, Asif was careful to clarify that he had no concrete knowledge of ongoing talks or formal proposals. “I have no idea what sort of talks are taking place and what’s their stage. I was asked a question, and I responded as per my political calculations,” he added, emphasizing that his remarks stemmed from political instinct rather than insider information.
Currently, the PPP maintains a supporting role in the federal government without occupying any executive positions in the cabinet. The party does, however, hold significant constitutional offices, including the presidency and governorships, and has played a key role in parliamentary support. Notably, it backed the PML-N-led government’s annual budget and has supported critical legislative measures.
Relations between the PPP and PML-N appear to have warmed further in recent months. A sign of growing trust was evident when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to head an important diplomatic mission aimed at countering India’s narrative following a recent India–Pakistan conflict.
The move signaled the PML-N’s recognition of PPP’s capabilities and national stature, despite their decision to remain outside the cabinet.
Nevertheless, PPP leaders have remained publicly cautious about formally joining the federal government. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told reporters in Karachi that the party is not currently considering such a move. “No formal invitation has been extended by the PML-N to PPP for joining the government,” he said. However, he added that if such a proposal were made in the future, “the party might consider it.”
As speculation mounts, the possibility of a formal PPP entry into the federal cabinet could signal a broader consensus-driven governance model.
Analysts suggest that such cooperation, if materialized, would enhance political stability and potentially strengthen the government’s ability to execute major policy reforms. For now, all eyes remain on whether political calculations will transform into a formal coalition in Islamabad.
