All affiliated parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), that are members of the Centre’s coalition government, have decided to back Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) nominee Asif Ali Zardari in the presidential election on March 9 (Saturday).
The development occurred following a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at his official house in Islamabad for representatives from the allied parties.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leads a coalition government that includes the Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) and several smaller parties.
“Asif Zardari is a joint candidate for the presidency. PM Shehbaz addressed the gathering and stated that all allies will work together to find solutions to the country’s crisis.
The premier stated that Zardari will be elected as the country’s president within the next two to three days.
PM Shehbaz stated that the PML-N and its allies had gained a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, and that he recognized the mandate of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is our own province.” We will attempt to move forward together,” the Prime Minister stated, noting that the partnered parties had a majority in the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures.
“But having a majority does not mean that we should not seek votes [from other parties].”
“The heart testifies that when Asif Zardari becomes president, there will be coordination to achieve the objectives,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said while addressing the allies.
