Nawaz, Fazl weigh poll alliance

PML-N, JUI-F to enter electoral fray in Sindh together with MQM-P’s aid

LAHORE:

Setting the stage for an electoral alliance, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday met to actualise their seat-adjustment strategy and other joint electoral initiatives, including making a foray into Sindh through MQM-P’s aid.

The high-profile gathering, held at the PML-N Secretariat located in Lahore’s Model Town, marked the second meeting between the political heavyweights since Nawaz’s return to the country on October 21.
The meeting focused on strategising a seat adjustment formula for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

The leaders engaged in extensive discussions regarding the political landscape of the country, analysing the current political scenario and formulating strategies for the crucial elections.

The meeting carried added significance as Maulana Fazlur Rehman is also the head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance, which assumed a pivotal role following the ousting of prime minister Imran Khan in 2022.

Among the attendees were prominent leaders from both parties. From the PML-N side, figures such as Maryam Nawaz, Senator Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Marriyum Aurangzeb, and other key members participated in the discussions.

Representing the JUI-F were its spokesman Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, Engineer Ziaur Rahman, Maulana Syed Mehmood Mian, Maulana Amjad Khan, Hafiz Naseer Ahrar, and Ghazanfar Aziz.

The meeting delved into various aspects of the political landscape, including the overall political situation of the country. Both parties meticulously discussed their political strategies leading up to the upcoming general elections, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration to navigate the complex political terrain.

Of particular note was the detailed deliberation on the seat adjustment formula.

PML-N and JUI-F leaders engaged in negotiations to reach an agreement on how to effectively distribute constituencies, a crucial aspect of electoral collaboration. The outcome of this formula is expected to shape the alliances and power dynamics in the run-up to the elections.

The collaboration between PML-N and JUI-F holds significant implications for the broader political spectrum, potentially altering the balance of power in the post-election scenario. As both parties play influential roles within the PDM, their unified stance could impact the political landscape and influence the formation of the next government. Alliance in SindhInsiders within the PML-N disclosed that important discussions and agreements have been reached between their party and the JUI-F concerning various significant matters, including joint initiatives for the upcoming general elections.
The discussions culminated in both parties jointly agreeing on fundamental issues, such as fielding a joint presidential candidate and mutual understanding on other critical aspects, affirming their alignment in the electoral arena.

Meanwhile, PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafiq provided an extensive briefing during the meeting, shedding light on the ongoing political dialogues with the MQM-P in Sindh.

The leaders also discussed the proposed nationwide local government system presented by the MQM. Both parties reached a comprehensive consensus on the envisaged system, intending to bring forth a constitutional amendment in the upcoming parliamentary sessions.

Moreover, the accord extended to form an electoral alliance with MQM-P and other like-minded parties in Sindh, marking a strategic collaboration for the impending elections.

Sources privy to the meeting highlighted that an agreement was solidified to enter the electoral fray in Sindh through seat adjustments with allied parties.

The decision-making process regarding candidates in Sindh will involve key figures such as provincial president Bashir Memon, Jamiat secretary Rashid Soomro, and nominated leaders from MQM.

Similarly, in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an extensive seat adjustment has been unanimously agreed upon by the Muslim League-N and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F.

The consensus stipulates that candidates for both national and provincial seats in these provinces will be nominated through mutual consent. Additionally, it was determined that the candidate from the stronger party in a particular constituency would receive the nomination and support.

However, in instances where a unanimous decision cannot be reached, a formula will be devised whereby one party nominates a candidate for the national seat while the other proposes a candidate for the provincial seat.