

At the centre too, the PML-N, inching closer and closer to a 130-seat mark, can easily enough round up the few independents needed to make up 136 — and gain a simple majority in the National Assembly with its 272 seats. However, in a mature political move, Nawaz Sharif is reportedly keen to include the PML-F and political parties of Balochistan in his government. The inclusion of the Baloch could prove an important gesture, and a wise one, considering the need to settle unrest in that disturbed province. For the government in Quetta, too, the PML-N is planning an alliance with political parties of the province.
While Sindh will stay with the PPP, it is in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa that the most complications arise. As the party with the largest number of seats in that house, the PTI has the constitutional right to be allowed to form the government first. We must hope this democratic right will be respected — with the PML-N apparently considering making a bid to form the government here too, and evade possible clashes with the PTI over issues linked to militancy and Afghanistan. We hope the right thing will be done. At this point, cooperation is required. With the PPP holding a majority over the PML-N in the Senate till 2015, the former ruling party can block legislation. But this ability must not be used maliciously, so the government can move smoothly and attempt to meet key needs.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2013.
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