PML-N alliance rejection in PPP members’ government formation negotiations

Conflicts within the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) about possible involvement with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab’s incoming administration are being worked out. There are members who strongly oppose entering the coalition, while others argue in favour of it.

After the countrywide general elections on February 8 concluded, there has been a greater focus on government formation, especially among the Pakistan People’s Party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Both sides engaged in fervent debate during a recent Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, which was presided over by PPP chairman Bilawal and co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. Many members, especially those from Punjab, said they would be in favour of joining the provincial government and negotiating conditions that would be advantageous to the PPP. They think that this may be essential to the party’s comeback in the province.

Others, however, were fiercely against forming an alliance with the PML-N. They support remaining in opposition at the federal level and see the party’s recent majority as dubious. According to this side, taking such a stand would support the PPP’s standing and force the government to answer for its actions.

A section within the CEC emphasised that PPP should negotiate for its participation in the Punjab administration on its own terms, according to those familiar with the proceedings. They contended that strategic placement inside the provincial administration is crucial for PPP to restore prominence in Punjab. Nonetheless, several disagreed, arguing that any cooperation with the PML-N had to be avoided.

After about twenty minutes of the session, Asif Zardari left, leaving Bilawal Bhutto to represent the party’s position. While acknowledging PPP’s concerns about the 2013 and 2018 election systems, Bilawal reaffirmed acceptance of the latest election outcomes.

Not every member could completely voice their ideas at the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto noted, adding that the conversation will continue the next day. The PPP Central Executive Committee meeting was planned for an afternoon session, indicating the importance of the discussions in determining the party’s future strategy.