PML-N & PPP Reach Coalition Agreement (Merged)

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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All major news agencies are reporting that in their join press conference after their meeting, Zardari and Sharif have agreed and announced the formation of a coalition government in the center and provinces.

Previous announcement after PPP’s Central Committee’s meeting was that Makhdoom Amin Faheem will be the Prime Minister.

ANP will likely be included in any coalition government.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=a2aqq9Bjv6eU&refer=africa

http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-32079620080221

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/22/content_7644592.htm

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/PML-N_PPP_to_form_govt_together_Sharif/articleshow/2802589.cms

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

How is PML-N going to form coalition govt in Sind, NWFP, Baluchistan? Or does the "coalition" include PML-Q as well?

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

^ My guess is what it means is that

National: PPP, PMLN, ANP, Independents
Sindh: PPP, ANP, some others
Punjab: PMLN, PPP
NWFP: ANP, PPP
Balochistan: PMLQ, some others

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Here is a more detailed report from Zee News

**Zardari, Nawaz join hands to form Govt **

Pakistan People`s Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif have decided to come together to form a coalition government in Pakistan. In the first meeting between the two leaders they agreed to implement the Charter of Democracy signed between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto earlier. The two however did not name any Prime Ministerial candidate.

The decision was expected ever since the two parties emerged as the two largest groups in the country`s general election. This was the first meeting between the two leaders and many more are expected to follow as many thorny issues between them have not been decided. At the post meeting press conference Nawaz Sharif toned down his demands on the restoration of the judges of the Supreme Court, saying that the Parliament will decide on the matter. Asif Ali Zardari however said that there was no difference between the two on the issue.

“We have agreed on a common agenda. We will work together to form a government together in the Centre and in the provinces,” Sharif said at a joint news conference with Zardari, husband of the slain PPP leader Benazir Bhutto.

The announcement came as a setback to President Pervez Musharraf who was hoping to wean away PPP from the PML-N to have truck with the defeated PML-Q in forming a new government.

“We will ensure that you complete a full five year term,” said Sharif looking at Zardari, who has emerged as the kingmaker in Pakistan`s return to democracy.

Zardari said there were a “lot of grounds to cover” between the two parties but said “Inshallah (God willing) we will be meeting off and on. In principle we have agreed to stay together.”

In reply to a question Zardari ruled out forming a pro Musharraf government. “I don’t believe pro Musharraf forces exist.” He also said that they would find a political solution to the problems of Bloachistan.

At the meeting Zardari reiterated his demand that they would request the UN to ‘uncover’ the death of the Benazir Bhutto. The leaders have not reached any decision on the PM.

Nawaz Sharif also left open the question of whether he would be a part of the government or prefer to run the party.

Prior to the meeting with Zardari, Sharif was elected leader of the PML-Ns parliamentary party even though he had not contested the polls. He was also asked by the PML-Ns central working committee to hold talks on government formation.

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

good omen is that all was said and done in 1 hr - an extraordinary small period of time when parties are discussing to form a government. It appears that a lot of core agendas such as restoration of judges, UN probe for BB's assassination, restoration of 73' constitution had been agreed in principle previously...

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

While NS ran the entire campaign on the promise of restoring judges, Zardari is fairly lukewarm about the issue. Since NS is not in control of the government, so, if they chose, this is an easy issue to back away from, for both parties.

I don't think NS has any objections to UN probe for BB's assassination so thats an easy one to agree on.

At this time, no one wants to or is sure that restoring or rewinding to the 1973 constitution is a wise idea. There have been some heavy-duty amendments made to the constitution in the intervening 35 years, that there is no way you can rewind that much. Some of the more controversial amendments by Mushy very likely are in play to be discarded.

The biggest issue will be how much of a confrontation they want right away to impeach/diselect Mushy. While on one hand it will seem like the completion of an electoral promise, immense confrontation at the start of a term will likely result in a lot of energy and political clout spent on seemingly unproductive issue, and people may claim that we sent you to parliament to solve people's problems and you are engaged in ego-centric confrontation. How Zardari and NS deal with this issue will be the most interesting.

The last issue is the possible defection by many PML-Q legislators, and most importantly what to do with MQM. We all know by now that MQM desperately wants to hang on to power, but they have no love for Nawaz Sharif. While NS has a clear stand against MQM (and PML-Q Chaudhries), Zardari has a lot more flexibility in dealing with this issue.

Degree Attestation from Saudi Embassy and Saudi Cultural Office?
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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

According to this, the meeting lasted 3 hours

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080221/ts_afp/pakistanvote_080221182313

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

what abt MQM

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Zardari has publicly stated that he will reach out to MQM to form government in Sindh. Since PML-N is a non-factor in Sindh, so this will be doable.

PML-N and MQM have publicly lamblasted each other very recently, so I don't see how they will get together in a coalition central government. PPP needs PML-N more than it needs MQM in national assembly, from a numbers stand point. Unless Zardari and Amin Faheem can pull out an amzing reconciliation rabbit out of their pockets to sort out issues between MQM and PML-N, likely MQM will be out of luck.

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

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[Quote]
The announcement came as a setback to President Pervez Musharraf who was hoping to wean away PPP from the PML-N to have truck with the defeated PML-Q in forming a new government.** **
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I am very disappointed with Nawaz Sharif. How will he explain this to the people who voted for him to bring back the EX CJ as this was Nawaz Sharif's one of two main policies. The other policy being ouster of President Musharaf, but even there it seems he has accepted that the new govt will be sworn in by the so-called illegal President.

**
[Quote]
"We will ensure that you complete a full five year term," said Sharif looking at Zardari, who has emerged as the kingmaker in Pakistan`s return to democracy.** **
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Mashallah. Great Zardari is talking like the Great President Musharaf and thinking long term stability of the govt. :)

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Aagey aagey dekho hota hai kya :hehe:

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition


Actually that statement is by Nawaz Sharif (Great Sharif??). :D

Interestingly Pir Pagara has predicted that these assemblies will be dissolved in 2-3 months. Oh well. That can only happen if Gen Kiyani decides to man the chopping machine himself. Which could be a possibility if there is enormous friction and confrontation between the Presidency and the Parliament House.

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

**
[quote]
Actually that statement is by Nawaz Sharif (Great Sharif??). :D
[/quote]
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Mashallah. He is already thinking like great President Musharaf. :D

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[quote]
Interestingly Pir Pagara has predicted that these assemblies will be dissolved in 2-3 months. Oh well. That can only happen if Gen Kiyani decides to man the chopping machine himself. Which could be a possibility if there is enormous friction and confrontation between the Presidency and the Parliament House.
[/quote]
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Pir Pagara is a 'wise Pir'. :)

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

I bet Sheikh Rasheed is sitting with Pir Pagara as that is what he indicated as well. I doubt Kiyani will play any part in next 6 months.

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Ofcourse he wont. President Musharaf will still be the President. :p

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Since NS is not in control of the government, so, if they chose, this is an easy issue to back away from, for both parties. <<

Faisal, for Nawaz Sharif to personally go to CJs house before heading to the meeting and then backing away from one of the most pivotal issues, which brought his party such huge success just doesn't make sense at all...if PPP is "lukewarm" to the idea then PML - N could just as easily decide to sit on the opposition benches and run the government in Punjab whilst keep rallying support for its core agenda with the help of lawyers, doctors, teachers etc..Zardari and PPP has everything to lose in such a situation. The overwhelming majority of the country wants Musharraf out and the current situation just doesn;'t bode well for him any way you look at.

The revulsion against the Armed forces is also wide spread. I don't believe Kiyani really is going to salvage the cadre of Musharraf that's riding on a sinking ship...

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition


Real question is that for Nawaz Sharif, if it comes to a choice between joining with PPP to oust Mushy, or to insist on restoring Ifti Chaudhry, which battle will he pick up? My guess is (and this is entirely my personal opinion) that Nawaz will pick up the side that will dispose off Mushy, before he will think about any other issue.

I agree with you that if Zardari insists on keeping Mushy in power AND not to restore Ifti Chaudhry than Nawaz has nothing to gain in this arrangement, except that some in his party are probably licking at the possibility of jhanday wali cars (ministerships etc). What Nawaz and PML-N will lose is enormous credibility. People of Pakistan hardly press for accountability from their political parties on nitty gritty election manifestos, but PML-N had run the entire campaign on the single nukta of Musharaf-hataao. Restoring Ifti Chaudhry is a means to that end, but its not an end by any mean. :)

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Possible is an understatement, it'll be an exodus..it's not called the Kings party for nothing. Also the MQM's opinion of Nawaz is nothing compared to their memories of PPP back in 1996..still a needless confrontation with the MQM is the last thing karachi and Pakistan needs.

As far as the judges issue is concerned, i think it's a formality once the assembly is called..still Musharraf might make a Yahya Khan push and cancel the session. Power mad leaders tend to get the nastiest once they have been cornered.

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Re: PPP and PML-N to form coalition

Power mad leaders tend to get the nastiest once they have been cornered. <<

Yes. Out of all which came out today, the matter of concern would have been if the negotiations had dragged on for days without any agreement. This was not the case. If anything, it can be safely said that the situation worked out to be against Musharraf as much as one can possibly think of..

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PML-N & PPP Reach Coalition Agreement (Merged)

Announcing what will likely be the most corrupt government in our nation’s history…

             **                     Pakistan parties agree coalition

**Pakistan’s two main opposition parties have agreed to form a coalition government after they won the most seats in Monday’s general election. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he had agreed “a common agenda” with the party of assassinated opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. He had been in talks with Ms Bhutto’s widower, Asif Zardari, the new leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Such a government could put renewed pressure on President Pervez Musharraf.

“We will work together to form the government in the centre and in the provinces,” Mr Sharif, head of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), said at a joint news conference with Mr Zardari.

He said the two parties had agreed that the country’s chief justice, sacked by President Musharraf in November, should be immediately reinstated. Mr Zardari said there was “a lot of ground to cover” between the two parties, but “in principle, we have agreed to stay together”.

Doubts remain about who will emerge as a possible prime minister. Mr Zardari has ruled himself out for the role, despite his party’s success at the election.

He has said his PPP party will choose another candidate to lead a coalition government.

Mr Zardari, a deeply divisive figure in Pakistani politics who has spent several years in prison on corruption charges, is not an MP and is therefore not currently eligible to serve as prime minister.

The party backing President Musharraf, the PML-Q, and its coalition partners have now lost their majority in parliament and Mr Zardari said none of them would be invited into the new governing coalition. He also said one of the first tasks for the new government, once it was sworn in, would be to ask for UN help in investigating the assassination of his wife, Benazir Bhutto, killed while campaigning in December.

Together, Mr Zardari’s and Mr Sharif’s parties have more than half of the new parliament’s seat. If they can form a grouping with a two-thirds majority, they could call for Mr Musharraf to be impeached. Mr Sharif has been deeply critical of the president and says he wants “to rid Pakistan of dictatorship forever”.

Mr Musharraf has said he will not resign or retire, but instead wishes to work towards stable democratic government in Pakistan.

Mr Musharraf seized power from then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a military coup in 1999 and was re-elected to the presidency in October in a parliamentary vote boycotted by the opposition as unconstitutional.