ISLAMABAD: The scheduled second round of talks between the Contact and Coordination Committees of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not take place on Thursday. Both sides opted for additional time to evaluate proposals emerging from their initial meeting, and the next meeting is expected to be held today.
The PPP has expressed its commitment to supporting the PML-N in government formation and the election of the next prime minister, contingent upon reciprocal support from the PML-N in elections for key constitutional offices. However, the nomination process for individuals to fill these crucial roles is proving challenging for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari due to intense competition.
Sources reveal that while former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani was initially considered for the role of National Assembly speaker, he has been advised to retain his Senate seat, hinting at a possible candidacy for the position of Senate chairman. Former opposition leader Khursheed Shah’s name is circulating for the post of speaker, with indications that individuals from Sindh may assume custodianship of both houses.
On the PML-N side, another former speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, is reported to be their nominee for the speaker’s position. The forthcoming talks, scheduled for today, are poised to unveil the prospective power-sharing formula between the PPP and the PML-N. These discussions hold the key to determining the collaborative strategy for government formation and the election of the next prime minister.
In the midst of these discussions, PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi clarified that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not approached the party for political reconciliation. While the PTI had announced intentions to engage with various political forces, including the PPP, Kundi stated that no contact had been initiated by the PTI.
He suggested that if the PTI has suggestions, they should communicate with the PPP’s six-member coordination committee, and any proposals would be considered by the top leadership.
