PML-N, PPP fail to reach consensus on govt formation

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) were unable to reach an agreement on government formation, despite their third meeting held on Saturday.

Both parties have decided to continue talks on Monday in an effort to break the deadlock.

A joint declaration issued after the coordination committees of both parties met in Islamabad stated that detailed discussions took place regarding government formation.

It added that significant progress was made on various issues; however, the two sides concluded the meeting without a final resolution.

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"The proposals put forth by both parties were thoroughly discussed, and while substantial progress was achieved, further deliberations are required to finalise the matters at hand," the joint statement read.

Emphasising the importance of a robust democratic government for Pakistan's stability, the committee members concurred on the necessity of reaching a consensus.

Representatives from PML-N included Ishaq Dar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Azam Nazir Tarar, and Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The PPP delegation comprised Syed Murad Ali Shah, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Saeed Ghani, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Shuja Khan, and Sardar Bahadur Khan.

The PPP said on Tuesday it would support the PML-N to form a minority government at the Centre, ending a stalemate after inconclusive elections. A PML-N spokesperson later said that the party had nominated Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also laid conditions on backing the Shehbaz-led coalition, saying they would support them in electing the prime minister but would not join the government. However, he indicated the party would seek some constitutional posts in return.

Later, both sides formed their Contact and Coordination Committees (CCCs) to discuss and formalise recommendations for the coalition.